Herbal supplements! Yes, nature has indeed provided us with several herbs that promise lower cholesterol levels. The best part is that these herbs have none of the harmful side effects of harsh prescription medicines. Before you take these natural cholesterol lowering supplements, it is best to consult your doctor about it.
1. Alfalfa leaf
This herb not only lowers cholesterol; it also clears clogged arteries and prevent heart attacks. It is available as capsules or tea and is also good for lowering blood pressure. The saponins in alfalfa perform the cholesterol reducing action.
2. Grape seed extracts
Several studies have proven that grape seed extract lowers cholesterol dramatically. In one study, 40 high cholesterol sufferers were divided into 3 groups. One group took grape seed extract in combination with chromium, the second took only grape seed extract while the third took a placebo. Each group took these supplements for 2 months. The group that took combination of grape seed extract with chromium had significant lowering of LDL or bad cholesterol and also lower total cholesterol.
3. Gingko biloba
This brain food is also a cardiovascular tonic. It has a protective effect on small capillaries and a cholesterol lowering action. You need to take 3 capsules of 50:1 standardized extract per day to see results.
4. Cordyceps
This has been touted to lower bad cholesterol, overall cholesterol as well as blood pressure.
5. Hawthorn
This herb also benefits heart disease and also for mild congestive heart failure. It lowers accumulation of fats in the liver as well as the aorta, the largest artery in the body. People with congestive heart failure, chest pain and irregular heartbeats also benefit from this natural cholesterol lowering supplement.
6. Guggul
This is a supreme cholesterol lowering herb- a gum heavily prescribed in Ayurveda. Studies on rabbits have shown significant lowering of triglycerides in blood fats using this herb.
7. Turmeric
This is one of the best cholesterol lowering herbs and spices as it normalizes and regulates total cholesterol levels. Curcumin in turmeric removes accumulation of fats from liver.
8. Flaxseeds
Flaxseed is not a herb per se but it is definitely one of the top natural supplements to lower cholesterol fast. It brings down bad cholesterol quickly and also lowers total lipid count. The high fiber content of this herb is a great weapon against climbing cholesterol levels.
9. Butcher’s broom
This Mediterranean herb literally sweeps high cholesterol from the arteries. Herbalists recommend starting dose of this herb of one capsule per day as it could lead to queasiness.
10. Borage leaf
Like Butcher’s Broom, Borage leaf is also a Mediterranean cholesterol-lowering herb. Doses up to 15 capsules per day are reommended.
11. Green tea
The flavonoids and antioxidants in Green tea are known to lower cholesterol levels and thin the blood. You can add this beverage to your daily routine or also take tablets made with the standardized extract containing 15-50% polyphenols.
12. Garlic
Some short term studies have shown benefits of garlic in cholesterol and blood pressure reduction.
Also check out home remedies to reduce cholesterol quickly.