Herbal Remedies for Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that circulates in the blood and is produced by the liver from dietary cholesterol and saturated fats in food. It also comes from animal foods that we eat like meat, whole milk, cheese, butter and eggs.

Cholesterol is not harmful if kept within acceptable limits. Everybody needs some cholesterol to perform a variety of vital functions, including building and maintaining cell membranes, hormone synthesis, and the manufacture of Vitamin D. But too much cholesterol can be bad for your health and can put you at risk for heart disease.

The body manufactures two types of cholesterol LDL, which is said to be a bad form of cholesterol and HDL, which is said to be a good form of cholesterol. In order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, we need to keep the LDL levels down and the HDL levels up. This can be done by eating healthier fresh foods that include herbs and doing more exercise. Here are some herbal remedies for cholesterol.

1. Red Yeast Rice is an ancient Chinese herbal remedy for cholesterol which has been used in the preservation and coloring of food. The studies have demonstrated that Red Yeast Rice can cut levels of LDL by as much as 15%, which compares favorably with similar cholesterol lowering effects of prescription drugs.
2. Gugulipid a well-known Ayurvedic herb is found to be even more effective than many prescription medications in lowering cholesterol and tryglyceride levels in the blood. It also increases levels of protective HDL cholesterol.
3. Stevia, a natural herb with a slight pepperminty taste can be used as a substitute for sugar in tea. It has been known to have many health benefits including helping to lower cholesterol.
4. Apple Pectin lowers cholesterol levels by binding fats and heavy metals.
5. Chromium Picolinate lowers total cholesterol levels and improves HDL-to-LDL levels.
6. Garlic lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
7. Lecithin Granules lowers cholesterol.
8. Fiber helps lower cholesterol.
9. Essential Fatty Acids reduces LDL level and thins the blood.
10. Cayenne, Goldenseal and Hawthorn Berries helps lower cholesterol.
11. Spirulina lowers cholesterol, when taken daily.
12. Guggul a herbal remedy for cholesterol is effective because it lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
13. Niacin also known as vitamin B3 is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent that alone has been shown to outperform prescriptive drugs in mild and even moderate cases. It helps your body to work on the cellular level and increases the health of the digestive system, improves circulation, promotes healthy skin and the sound functioning of your nervous system.

These were some herbal remedies for cholesterol. Though they don't remove cholesterol completely they help to lower cholesterol.