Foods to lower high cholesterol: Your heart health can be seriously affected due to high cholesterol levels, which also increases your risk of heart attack and other heart related problems. Poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can lead to an abnormal increase in cholesterol levels, which in turn can affect many bodily functions.
In addition to other supportive treatments, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to lowering cholesterol levels that includes dietary modifications, yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and herbal supplements.
A wax-like substance known as cholesterol is produced by the body for important functions such as hormone production, cell growth and the absorption of other vitamins. The problem emerges when we consume fatty foods which cause us to develop excess cholesterol which our body is unable to remove. This plaque then builds up on our arteries, clogging them and damaging our heart health.
According to Ayurveda here are some foods that are good and help manage cholesterol:
1. Honey
Honey prevents the penetration of bad cholesterol into the lining of blood vessels.
Home remedies: Drink 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of honey and lemon juice along with a few drops of apple cider vinegar.
2. Garlic
The sulfur content in garlic helps balance high cholesterol levels and reduces plaque accumulation.
Home remedies: Grind 6-8 cloves of garlic and boil it in 50 ml milk and 200 ml water.
3. Turmeric
It reduces the build-up of plaques in the artery walls.
Home remedies: Make a mixture of turmeric, mashed brinjal and a few spoons of water. Spread this paste on a bread loaf and eat it after a meal.
4. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)
Rich in potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and other nutrients that reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the body.
Home remedies: Consume one teaspoon of fenugreek powder with warm water twice a day.
5. Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya)
Coriander can reduce high cholesterol due to its hypoglycaemic effect. Thus it is also helpful for diabetics.
Home remedies: Add 2 teaspoons of turmeric to 1 cup of water and boil it. Mix milk, sugar and cardamom powder and drink it twice a day.
6. Apple
Apples are rich in pectin and contain natural antioxidants called flavonoids that lower high cholesterol levels and even keep your lungs and heart healthy.
Home remedies: Eat an apple and other fruits with their skin on as this contains extra fiber.
7. Beet
Beetroot contains carotenoids and flavonoids which help in controlling the level of LDL.
Home remedies: Have beetroot juice alone or mix it with other fruit juices for a sweet taste.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps in keeping high cholesterol levels under control and can be consumed 2-3 times a day for at least a month.
Home remedies: Mix 1 teaspoon apple vinegar in a glass of water and drink it regularly.
9. Spinach
The amount of lutein in spinach protects the arteries from clogging and also prevents bad cholesterol from getting deposited in the walls of the arteries.
Home remedies: In addition to being part of basic cooked dishes, you can consume sinach leaves in small meals such as salads.
(Disclaimer: The article is based on general information and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical expert. Zee News does not confirm the same.)