The presence of cholesterol in the body is natural but if in excess, the body will not be able to break it down and efficiently use it. When high cholesterol in the blood starts to build up it may develop other diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Drinking tea can help prevent the accumulation of bad cholesterol, while other organic products like herbs, spices, and fruits also have their natural way of lowering the cholesterol level.
Table of Contents
Herbs for Cholesterol and Heart Health
The build-up of Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) or the “bad” cholesterol, will lead to the growth of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. In a severe scenario, when the arteries are blocked, it could cause a sudden rupture leading to a heart attack or stroke.
At the same time, the build-up of the cholesterol plaque in the arteries causes it to narrow and harden which will then interfere with the blood flow. This would make the heart pump harder and faster causing the blood pressure and heart rate to rise.
Any herb that is beneficial for heart health can help achieve the ideal and manageable cholesterol level.
Health Risks of Organic Herb Treatment for Cholesterol
Self-medicating is dangerous when left unsupervised. While there natural chemical compounds found in fruits, herbs, and produce that one may regularly consume on a daily basis. There is still a hazard in consciously treating yourself even if they are proven to lower the bad cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of other illnesses.
There have been existing studies showing that various herbs can lower down the cholesterol level, however, there is still a gray area on how much one can safely consume in a day. The bad cholesterol we are more familiar with can lead to coronary artery disease, on the other hand, although it is still under further investigation, having a very low total cholesterol level has also been associated with some health problems such as cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, depression, anxiety, and preterm birth and low birth weight if the cholesterol is low while the woman is pregnant.
So the risk of consuming too much of the natural ingredients, possibly along with the prescription medication for high cholesterol, could lower the total cholesterol beyond the ideal level. Consuming in moderation and with the advice of the physician is the most practical scenario.
Astralagus
The astralagus, also known as huáng qí or milkvetch, is used as traditional Chinese medicine especially the roots for fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and high cholesterol level. It has a powerful immune-boosting, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. Products of this herb range from liquid extracts, capsules, powders, and teas; it is also used as IV fluid in a hospital setting. It supports heart health by widening the blood vessels and increasing the amount of blood pumped to the heart. This herb is also a very powerful source of antioxidant, although studies are still limited, it showed that astralagus can increase the production of white blood cells which boosts the immune system.
This immune-booster seemed to have already gained its popularity, that even Martha Steward, even has her Immunity Tea recipe that features this herb.
Ingredients
2 tablespoon dried astragalus, 1 tablespoon sliced ginger, 1/8 teaspoon lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon balm, and honey
Tools
Pot and strainer
Steps
- Step 1: Boil four cups of water in a pot, then add the astralagus, lemon balm, ginger, and lemon peel and let it steep for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Strain the liquid into a pitcher. Serve while it is hot or let it cool down to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator. Add honey until desired sweetness.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is packed with health benefits and is said to have a holistic effect on the body. The leaves, berries, and flowers of hawthorn are effective in treating diseases like congestive heart failure, both low blood pressure and high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, and high cholesterol. This herb can help reduce the bad cholesterol by increasing the excretion of bile, which helps in reducing the formation of cholesterol. Some also use hawthorn for digestive issues, menstrual cramps, intestinal infection, boils and sores, and even relieving symptoms of anxiety.
Lavender
Lavender contains antioxidants which are known to be an effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A study conducted on experimental groups showed that lavender extract decreased the triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL levels. It also lowers and maintains the blood pressure and heart rate at its ideal level, these chronic diseases are oftentimes linked to having high cholesterol. Finally, lavender improves sleep quality which is important in a healthy lifestyle.
Oats
Incorporating oat tea or oatmeal to your regular diet will be more beneficial for your body than you expect. Oats are superfoods that offer a well-balanced nutrient composition. Oats contain a high amount of soluble fiber, which is vital in reducing the bad cholesterol in the body and lowering down the blood sugar. Soluble fiber promotes the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract which helps flush out the excess cholesterol and helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. It is also high in antioxidants which provides several heart-protecting benefits, including reducing LDL and increasing production of Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Oatmeals are healthy and filling, by doing this Chai Tea Overnight Oats recipe, the oats will soak up the chai tea giving it a unique flavor. This can be an alternative to your bowl of cereal or dessert after a meal.
Ingredients
Old fashioned rolled oats, preferred type of milk, Chai teabag, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Tools
Pot, meal prep container/food container with lid
Steps
- Step 1: Place 1 cup of milk in a pot and steep the Chai tea for 8 minutes. Then let this cooldown.
- Step 2: Add the oats, vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, honey, and the room temperature chia tea to a meal prep container. Mix them all before refrigerating overnight. Make sure to put a lid to not dry up the oats.
- Optional: Add a spoonful of yogurt, chopped nuts, or dried fruits before serving.
Soy
Soy-based food like tofu, soy milk, and even soy sauce can greatly reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Soy has been found to decrease triglyceride levels, a major factor in both heart disease and high cholesterol. It also helps the body adjust by imitating the hormones when estrogen levels fluctuate during menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
This Chai Soy Latte is an easy recipe featuring soy milk and all of its nutritional benefits. It’s creamy and warm, a perfect alternative to coffee.
Ingredients
1 cup of soya milk, cinnamon powder, 1 teabag of black tea, honey or sugar
Tools
Pot
Steps
- Step 1: Boil the 1 cup of soya milk with the teabag
- Optional: If you prefer the less milky taste, you can use half a cup of water and half a cup of soya milk instead.
- Step 2: Pour into a cup and add cinnamon and sugar or honey for added sweetness.
Lemon Balm
This herb despite being a part of the mint-family has a lemony and citrusy aroma. A study has proven that the extracts of the leaves can prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. While another study used supplements and showed significant effects on reducing the bad cholesterol.
Pandan
Pandan leaves are common in Southeast Asian countries, where it is used to flavor and color food from rice to cakes and even juices. It has a sweet and flowery flavor with a unique creamy vanilla aroma. Pandan leaves contain tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols these compounds work as an antioxidant.
Anything that contains high antioxidants are capable of lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol. Pandan leaves are said to be a powerful antidote for cholesterol. The tannin helps produce bile which the bad cholesterol cling on and is then expelled from the body. The phenol content in this herb can inhibit the oxidation of LDL which ultimately can decrease the tendency of cholesterol build-up.
This Coconut Pandan Dessert is easier to make than it sounds, the different textures and flavors makes this a great finale for any meal.
Ingredients
Young coconut, green gelatin, small tapioca pearls, pandan extract, evaporated milk, and condensed milk.
Tools
Large mixing bowl, pot, and a flat container
Steps
- Step 1: Follow the instructions on the green gelatin then place it on a flat container and let the gelatin solidify.
- Step 2: Slice the coconut meat to thin, long strips.
- Step 3: Cook the tapioca pearls in a pot with water 10 to 15 minutes, continuously stir to avoid them from sticking. Then drain all the water and place all the tapioca in a large mixing bowl and let it cool down.
- Step 4: Slice the gelatin into small cubes
- Step 5: Once the tapioca is cooled down, mix with a can of condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut strips, cubed gelatin, and a dash of pandan extract. Serve this dessert chilled.
Parsley
There are carotenoid antioxidants found in this herb which makes it good for heart health. Carotenoid-rich diets have been shown to minimize the risk of chronic inflammation heart disease as well as elevated blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. Get Yours Here!
Moringa
This herb is also referred to as the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree. It has been used for centuries as an ancient medicine that works as an antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory. One of its many wonders is that moringa protects the health of the heart, it is a powerful antioxidant that obstructs cardiac damage and bad cholesterol build-up, the presence of isothiocyanate and niaziminin also prevents the arteries from thickening and narrowing which causes high blood pressure. Get Yours Here!
Sage
Sage is one of the most used herbs for infusing flavor and aroma to any dish. Two cups of sage tea a day will result in lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol in the body. This is because the high antioxidant compound found in sage is beneficial for the body’s defenses and it neutralizes harmful free radicals.
This herb should not be underestimated, one can still get the full health benefits by as simple as adding sage as a garnish, in soups, as stuffing, or any way it can be incorporated in a dish. Get Yours Here!
Thyme
The compound thymol found in this herb increases good fats in the brain, liver, and kidneys. Thyme is beneficial for the heart, it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improves the blood circulation.
Being conscious of the ingredients available around the kitchen can be beneficial to one’s health. By choosing a healthier diet and maintaining an active lifestyle, one can combat having high cholesterol, as well as acquiring other chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Get Your Here!
You might also like٩(●˙▿˙●)۶…⋆ฺ:
→How Can Tea Help During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation?
→The Best Tea To Drink To Cure Your Cold
→Top 10 Herbs Guaranteed to Fight Anxiety and Stress Naturally!
→15 Fun and Unique Ways You Can Use Your Bottled Tea
