High blood cholesterol (HBH) is a menace to health of the heart and for other body functions to work correctly. HBH levels refer to the condition known as “hyperlipidemia”, in the same way high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are a chief risk factor for heart disease and fondle.

You can use a number of different herbal treatments besides medical drugs if you are planning to lower your cholesterol but first you need to consult your doctor, either you can continue with the medicines you have been taking in order to lower your cholesterol.

Let’s have a look at some supplements and herbal remedies ...

Supplements and herbal remedies- aid to lower cholesterol

NIACIN (vitamin B3)

• Vitamin B3, also called Niacin is used to lower cholesterol, it has got multi-effects, helps to lower LDL and boost HDL (good cholesterol) as well.
• Studies have found that niacin lowers LDL cholesterol by approximately 10%, lowers triglycerides by 25%, and raises "good" HDL cholesterol by 15% to 30%. It also appears to considerably lower levels for another risk factor for atherosclerosis, lipoprotein A.

ARTICHOKE LEAF

• Some researchers propose that extract of artichoke leaf may help to lower cholesterol, by restraining the synthesis of cholesterol.

FIBER

• Soluble fiber helps to diminish LDL cholesterol by reducing its assimilation in the intestines.
•  It binds with cholesterol so that it is excreted, available as supplement form in psyllium powder, and its foods sources are:

• Oats, barley, rye.
• Legumes.
• Fruits like apples berries and prunes.
• Some vegetables like, carrots, Brussel sprouts, broccoli and yams.

Usage: Intake of Five to 10grams per day of soluble fiber helps to lower LDL cholesterol approximately by 5%.

GARLIC

• Some studies suggest, garlic may be helpful to decrease blood cholesterol by few percentage points. Other studies, somehow, disagree with this.
• It may also have momentous side effects and/or interactions with certain medications.

Risk Factor: Garlic may extend bleeding and blood clotting time, so garlic and garlic supplements should not be consumed prior to surgery and should not be taken with blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin.

SOY BEANS

• Substituting soybeans or soy protein for other proteins has been shown to prevent coronary heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• It may b find in tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, edamame, soy nuts, and many other food products made from soybeans.

OMEGA -3 FATS 

• Omega fatty acids have a positive effect on cholesterol. Supplement sources include fish oil capsules, flaxseed and flax seed oil.
• Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the rate at which the liver produces LDL cholesteroland triglycerides.
•  They have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body; reduce the growth of plaque in the arteries, and help in thinning blood.

Precaution: Before going to have any supplements, it’s prior to consult your doctor first.

REFERENCES:

WebMD.com
Altmedicine.about.com