subject: Cholesterol for Low Cholesterol and Tips to Reduce Cholesterol [print this page] Cholesterol for Low Cholesterol and Tips to Reduce Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all cells of the body. It helps to form cell membranes and some hormones, and performs other functions necessary in a healthy body. Cholesterol and other fats don't dissolve in the blood, and are transported to and from cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. Those of significance are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Read more on Natural Remedies for High and Low Blood Pressure and Control Obesity and Cholesterol
The following conditions have been cited in various sources as potentially causal risk factors related to High Cholesterol:
1. Age
2. Family history of high cholesterol
3. High-fat diet
4. Overweight
5. Obesity
Causes of High Cholesterol
Diet
What you eat plays a significant role in your cholesterol levels. Eating foods with trans fat or high levels of saturated fat can increase "bad" LDL cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fat include red meat, dairy products, chocolate, and processed foods made with cocoa butter, palm oil, or coconut oil. High levels of dietary cholesterol, found only in foods made from animal sources such as meat and dairy, can also raise your bad cholesterol level. Eating too many calories, in general, can elevate triglycerides.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of having high cholesterol. People with a high body mass index (BMI) tend to have lower levels of "good" HDL and higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides than people of normal weight. One study found that for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight a person loses, they may be able to raise their HDL by .35 mg/dL. A BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. Calculate your BMI.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking damages your arterial walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. It may also lower your protective HDL cholesterol. Research shows that quitting increases a person's HDL by an average of 4 mg/dL.
Home Remedies for Cholesterol
1. You can drink coriander in water everyday. It will help in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. This regime must be continued for about a month. Then the cholesterol levels must be checked again. It is one of the effective home remedies for cholesterol.
2. Another useful remedy for cholesterol is sunflower seed. It contains useful chemicals like linoleic acid. This acid helps in decreasing the level of cholesterol around the blood capillaries and helps in normal blood circulation in the body. People are still using saturated fats, butter, etc., for cooking food. These unhealthy oils should strictly be replaced from sunflower oil.
3. Mix 1 tablespoon of Hilba (Yemenite herb) in water and drink every day. It is one of the simple home remedies for cholesterol.
4. Home remedies for cholesterol are by regularly taking crushed 2-3 garlic cloves. Or finely diced small onion and mix it with 1 cup butter milk along with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder and drink.
5. Vampires aren't the only thing garlic keeps away. In large doses--at least seven cloves daily--this food can significantly reduce cholesterol. Of course, that's probably more garlic than most people eat in a month. To get a similar benefit, try odorless garlic pills.
6. Grind equal amounts of watermelon seeds and khas khas and keep together. Take one teaspoonful with an empty stomach and one in the evening with water for lowering blood pressure. This can be taken 3-4 weeks according to the requirement.
7. Prepare a mixture of a glass of water & 1-2 gms of powdered cinnamon. Filter this mixture & add a spoon of honey to it. Drink this solution once a day for 15-25 days. This would control cholesterol.
