Home remedies for high cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that is needed to build and maintain cells, and it also helps convert the sun's energy into vitamin D and perform other important functions. However, high levels of cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, are unhealthy for your body and can lead to serious health problems. Cholesterol gets deposited along the artery walls due to which the risk of developing heart disease increases.

Normally, the cholesterol level in the blood should be less than 200 mg/dL (blood pressure per milliliter). A cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered high, and when it rises to 240 or higher mg/dL it is considered high cholesterol. Mostly, a test called lipoprotein profile is taken to check the total cholesterol level of cholesterol. In this, the combined amount of HDL, LDL, and VLDL is seen.

Among these, HDL or high-density lipoprotein is considered good because it carries cholesterol to the liver where it can be broken down. Your body needs a certain amount of HDL to function properly, which is a very good thing. People with low levels of HDL are at increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, LDL or low-density lipoprotein is considered bad for the body. This cholesterol gets deposited in the inner wall of the arteries and also causes the narrowing of the blood vessels.

(Read More - Foods to reduce high cholesterol)

Research has shown that coriander helps in keeping total cholesterol levels low. Coriander seeds also have a hypoglycemic effect and are also used for sugar.

How to use -

• Add two teaspoons of coriander seed powder to one cup of water.
• Now boil this mixture and after boiling filter the mixture.
• Drink this mixture once or twice throughout the day.
• You can also add milk, sugar, and cardamom to it and make a habit of using it instead of your daily tea.
• If you do not have coriander seed powder, you can use coriander seeds. You can make powder by putting the seeds in a mixer.

(Read More - What is Cholesterol Normal Range)

Red onion is beneficial in dealing with high cholesterol. Scientists in Hong Kong found that onions reduce bad cholesterol and increase the level of good cholesterol. Its consumption reduces the risk of heart disease.

How to use -

• Mix one teaspoon of onion and honey.
• Now drink this mixture after mixing it well.
• Drink this mixture once a day daily.
• Apart from this, mix chopped onion and one teaspoon of black pepper in a cup of buttermilk and drink it.
• Repeat this mixture daily as well.
• Along with this, include onion, ginger, and garlic in your diet.

(Read More - High Cholesterol Diet Chart)

Amla acts as a natural hypolipidemic which means that it helps in reducing the lipid concentration in the serum. A study has shown that this fruit has antihyperlipidemic, anti-atherogenic, and hypolipidemic effects.

How to use -

• Add one teaspoon of amla powder or dried amla in warm water.
• Drink this water every morning on an empty stomach.
• Repeat this process every morning on an empty stomach.

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Apple cider vinegar helps lower your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Along with this, it is an effective home remedy that is used for high blood pressure, venereal diseases, respiratory infections, and many other diseases.

How to use -

• Mix one teaspoon of apple vinegar in a glass of water.
• Now drink this mixture.
• Do drink this twice or thrice for at least a month.
• You can gradually increase the amount of apple cider vinegar to two teaspoons per glass. If you don't like the taste of apple cider vinegar, you can mix it with fresh orange juice, apple juice, grapefruit juice, or other fruit juices.

(Read More - Ayurvedic treatment for High Cholesterol)

Drinking fresh orange juice daily helps a lot in lowering blood cholesterol levels naturally because of the properties of vitamin C, folate, and flavonoids.

The study found that drinking 750 ml of pure orange juice daily increased HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased the LDL/HDL ratio in hypercholesterolemic patients.

The sterol properties of orange juice make it even more effective. Studies have shown that consuming about 3 grams of phytosterols a day can lower your total cholesterol by 11% and your LDL by 15%. Then make it a habit to drink a glass of plant sterol-enriched orange juice every day.

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Coconut oil is considered a beneficial home remedy for high cholesterol. However, saturated fat is present in it. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which helps to raise HDL ('good' cholesterol) and improve the LDL/HDL ratio.

Add organic coconut oil to your diet. You must use this oil with one or two spoons. Do not use refined or processed coconut oil.

(Read More - Homeopathic treatment for high cholesterol)

Oats help in lowering your cholesterol level. This is an easy and effective method. It is rich in soluble fiber and helps in reducing the absorption of cholesterol. With its help, the level of bad cholesterol also remains low.

One and one-half cups of cooked oats or one cup of oat bran contains about three grams of the soluble fiber, beta-glucan. You can add fruits and nuts to your oats like apples, bananas, strawberries, walnuts, etc. for added health benefits.

(Read More - Juice to Lower Cholesterol)

Fish oil or fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna, trout, herring, salmon, bluefish, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. All of these help lower triglycerides (fats in the blood) and prevent heart disease.

Consume about one to four grams of fish oil per day. If you are also a vegetarian, then use flaxseeds also, omega-3 fatty acids are found in plenty of it.

(Read More - Cholesterol Test)

Red yeast rice contains a compound called monacolin which inhibits cholesterol synthesis, thereby helping to lower cholesterol. Simply put, it is fermented rice. It has been used in China as a medicine for thousands of years. You can also get red yeast rice pills at the drugstore.

For high cholesterol, you can take 1200-2400 mg once or twice a day. Studies have shown that consuming it can reduce levels of total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol. However, be careful when taking these supplements in moderation.

Apart from this, lovastatin and other chemicals are found in red yeast rice products, which can cause any kind of harm to you. It is better that you consult your doctor before consuming it. Do not consume it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from liver problems.

(Read More - Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure)

Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and other dried fruits and seeds are useful in controlling high cholesterol as they are rich in plant sterols and fiber. Walnuts specifically help reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. So now you can eat delicious roasted nuts regularly. But avoid consuming it excessively.

Along with these home remedies, there is a need to pay attention to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eliminate trans fats from your diet. They raise your LDL ('bad' cholesterol) and lower your HDL ('good' cholesterol). Also, eat a vitamin C-rich diet to keep your cholesterol normal.

(Read More - Home remedies for heart disease)

Bad cholesterol levels in the body can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain normal cholesterol levels. If it increases, then it can be cured with the home remedies mentioned in this article. Apart from this, it is also necessary to do regular exercise and yoga, lead a balanced life and remain stress-free.

(Read More - Home remedies for atherosclerosis)