Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally With These 5 Herbs

High cholesterol is a universal problem. It matters not what nationality you are or what credo you believe in. Having cholesterol is a condition suffered by 60 million Americans and many more worldwide. Lowering your cholesterol by using herbs, therefore, is a subject of importance and interest to most.

Here are 5 cholesterol lowering herbs that are being used in some degree, in various parts of the world. Any of these - and especially in combination - can be taken regularly to reach, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

1. Guggulipid or Commiphora Mukul - From the Guggul tree, Guggul is an herb that became popular as Guggulipid. This is an extract of the resin from Guggul and was a highly vaunted anti-cholesterol herb since the 1980s. Guggulipid is recognized for its ability to lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. The herb contains guggulsterone which is known to eliminate cholesterol from the body. Guggul is also useful in lowering your levels of insulin, blood pressure and fasting blood sugar.

2. Cayenne pepper - This is not only useful for flavoring your dishes, it can also lower cholesterol and your blood pressure. Cayenne pepper is able to help your body accelerate the processing and elimination of fat. Cayenne pepper powder comes from the dried and pulped fruits of Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum frutescens. Although it is more popular as a spice, it is also useful as an analgesic, antiseptic, diuretic and expectorant. Cayenne pepper is rich in Vitamins E and C and contains carotenoids and capsaicin (which gives pepper its spice). Currently, cayenne is available in ointment, cream, dried powder, oil and capsule form. It is also used to treat high cholesterol levels, chronic pain, toothache and heart disease.

3. Artichoke Leaf or Cynara scolymnus - The cholesterol lowering effect of artichoke leaf has been confirmed by research. The same study showed that a person can lower his cholesterol level by up to 18.5% by taking in 1,800 mg of this herb extract every day for no less than six weeks. The cybarin content of artichoke leaf is responsible for hastening the production of bile in the liver as well as in hastening the excretion of cholesterol through the feces. This herb also contains the antioxidant luteolin which is said to be responsible for lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the bdy. Doctors have been using medications containing cynarin since the early 1950s to help lower cholesterol levels in their patients.

4. Garlic - One of garlic's many uses is its ability to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and at the same time promote the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol levels. It can lower LDL levels by as much as 15% (for those who eat one clove a day). Garlic is also able to lower your body's blood pressure and triglyceride levels. In some parts of Europe, this is an herb approved as a solution for high cholesterol.

5. Alfalfa - Alfalfa is a double-edged sword when it comes to its fight against cholesterol. One, it directly decreases blood cholesterol and two, it keeps the gut from absorbing cholesterol. It increases the "good" cholesterol (HDL) even as it attacks "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Alfalfa is rich in saponin, a substance that effectively prevents the digestion of cholesterol by combining with it. As a result, the body does not absorb the cholesterol. The alfalfa sprout is more effective as its saponin content is over 50% more as compared to other plants. Take note that for alfalfa extracts, it is the alfalfa sprout that you want, not the alfalfa root, as the sprout has more saponin.

Cholesterol lowering herbs are not only effective but may also be safer to use than medications. It is however best to check any herb with your doctor first before taking it, to avoid unwanted health complications.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Further resources: Find out about ways to lower cholesterol and also herbal treatments for cholesterol - just visit the links for more details.

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