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Cholesterol - Herbs that lower cholesterol

Herbs that lower cholesterol can be an effective and natural method of reducing your risk of heart disease. Often times the levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high causing a condition known as hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). With high levels of LDL cholesterol there is a greater risk in being affected by heart diseases as well as suffering strokes. LDL cholesterol affects the lining blood vessels by irritating them and stimulating atherosclerosis which is a hardening of the arteries. When this happens it becomes imperative to lower those levels. Niacin or vitamin B3 can be effective in lowering cholesterol by reducing LDL cholesterol by ten to twenty percent and increasing HDL cholesterol by fifteen to thirty percent as well as significantly reducing lipoprotein A.

Another herb that lowers cholesterol is ther artichoke leaf. This works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that supposedly increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder which together increase the excretion of cholesterol. Other herbs that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols that are naturally occurring substances found in some plants. Stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in some dressings. According to research findings plant stanols help reduce cholesterol and because they are similar in structure to cholesterol help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

You must remember to maintain a healthy balance with vitamins, herbs as well as a good diet to keep the arteries smooth and clear. Garlic is considered the ultimate herb that lowers cholesterol because it has an antioxidant activity that can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Guggul is yet another herb that lowers cholesterol and comes from India. It has been the basis of Ayurvedic medicine for over two thousand years to control cholesterol through its active ingredient called guggusterone that helps in increasing the rate at which the liver takes up and breaks down LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Consuming soy products as substitutes for meat can help enhance liver metabolism of LDL cholesterol. They are also known to increase HDL cholesterol and it is believed that 47 grams of soy may help in reducing total cholesterol by nine percent and LDL cholesterol by 13 percent. Another option which is rich in bioflavonoids that helps in stabilizing collagen as well as reduces blood cholesterol is hawthorn. It has been known to Europeans for some time as an herb that lowers cholesterol levels.

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