Finding Herbs to Lower Cholesterol

The levels of cholesterol in the blood may become too high. This condition is known as high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia. With high levels of LDL cholesterol there is an enormous risk of heart diseases as well as an increased risk of strokes. LDL cholesterol affects the lining of blood vessels by irritating them and stimulating atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. It then becomes imperative to lower cholesterol levels by fair means or foul. Increased age leads to an increased risk. In the UK at least it is routine for General Practitioners to prescribe such drugs as Simvastatin a "statin" to all patients over 55.

A growing number of people have become suspicious of the possible overprescribing of their Doctor. To this end Herbs become more and more popular to treat and prevent Cholesterol. Herbs that lower cholesterol are an effective and natural method that can provide results. Niacin or vitamin B3 is effective as a cholesterol treatment 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 cholesterol lowering herb is artichoke leaf, this works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that (it is said) increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, together increasing the excretion of cholesterol.

Other herb products that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols. these 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 dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

One must keep in mind the need to maintain a healthy balance with vitamins and herbs as well as a well balanced diet to keep the arteries smooth as well as clear. Garlic is considered the ultimate herb. It lowers cholesterol, and has an antioxidant activity that can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation.

Eating lots of soy products as substitutes for meat are yet an other herbal item that lower cholesterol, which enhance liver metabolism of LDL cholesterol. They are also said to increase HDL cholesterol, and it is believed that 1/2 of soy may help in reducing total cholesterol by ten percent and LDL cholesterol by 15 percent.

Hawthorn is said to be a herb that lowers cholesterol levels and which it is said has been known to Europeans for some time. Hawthorne is said to be rich in bioflavonoids that help in stabilizing collagen as well as reducing blood cholesterol.

Philip Jubb

http://www.oldagepensioners.com

Philip has written extensively on health matters particularly as they effect the elderly. More items can be found at http://www.oldagepensioners.com or at our main site at http://www.109b.com