Home Remedies to battle Elevated Cholesterol Levels: Foods for Cholesterol Control

High levels of cholesterol in blood (i.e. level of cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL, is considered to be a leading cause for development of cardiac disorders. Under the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) initiative in the United States, it was observed that there was a steady rise in prevalence of elevated cholesterol levels across all populations in the country. There are some simple home based remedies that can be used effectively in controlling the levels of cholesterol in the blood and also ward off the occurrence of cardiac disorders and ensure a healthy functioning heart

Healing foods to manage raised cholesterol levels: Foods to Control Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of
cardiac disorders

Countless studies have shown that the diet plays a major and overwhelming role in provoking, preventing, and treating a wide range of diseases. Certain foods stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal and rejuvenate, and provide serious protection from grave cardio-vascular disorders from developing.

This article attempts to provide crucial insights into some of the top foods and home remedies that can help in controlling the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Further these foods can also help in reducing elevated levels of cholesterol.

Garlic as a Powerful Home Remedy to Control Cholestrol Levels: Control Cholestrol Naturally

Garlic is a truly remarkable medicinal herb. The therapeutic properties of this herb are due to the presence of a compound called allicin.

• Garlic provides immense protection and therapeutic benefit in cases of atherosclerosis and heart diseases. 
• Garlic decreases the total blood cholesterol level, amplifies the HDL or protective cholesterol level, and greatly diminishes the LDL or harmful cholesterol.
• Furthermore, it lowers blood pressure levels effectively, prevents pressure oscillations, and helps attain normal levels easily.
• As a practicing homoeopath and nutritionist, I can promise individuals who demonstrate highly raised levels of B.P. and cholesterol, that once they’ve incorporated loads of garlic in to their diet, made important lifestyle changes, and embraced a healthy way of living, they can ditch their life-long dependency on blood thinners and heart-strengthening drugs.

First and foremost, ensure that you chop / grate the garlic and let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes, this stimulates the enzymatic process which converts alliin to allicin (the compound to which the numerous health benefits of garlic are attributed).Chopped or grated garlic can be added to practically all the dishes and it lends a wonderful flavor as well.Consuming 3 to 5 raw garlic cloves will bring about drastic lowering of the cholesterol and blood pressure levels, almost instantaneously.

Aubergine: Natural Foods to Control Elevated Cholestrol Levels

Aubergines are packed with dietary fibre and anti-oxidants.

Aubergine can help in
controlling cholesterol levels

• Nasunin, a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger and destroyer, prevents damage to the cell membranes, thus preventing atherosclerosis and LDL oxidation.
• Clinical trials (on rabbits) have demonstrated that the aubergine helps lower the total blood cholesterol level, cholesterol within the arteries, and cholesterol in the aorta, considerably.
• Also, the walls of the blood vessels relax and the blood flow in the arteries improves and helps in the management of hypertension

Aubergine juice, though not very appetizing, yields significant benefits.You could dice aubergines and add them to your vegetable stir-fry, or use aubergines for your next sandwich filling, or stuff aubergines with a stuffing of your choice.

Home Remedy to Battle Elevated Cholesterol Levels: Yogurt

The cholesterol lowering effect of fermented milk (yogurt / curd) was demonstrated, through studies conducted on African tribes, about 30 years ago.

Yoghurt for Healthy Heart

• Having about 1 cup of yogurt per day, promises a low total blood cholesterol level and low LHL cholesterol level.

Make sure that you choose the low-fat varieties, and those which do not have any added flavors. It would be ideal if you could prepare yogurt at home, using low-fat milk or skimmed milk.Smoothies are a perfect snack. Yogurt to which fresh fruit has been added and pureed ensures adequate intake of this milk product.Yogurt is also a wonderful salad dressing. You could add your favorite spices and herbs to it, and mix in your vegetables and greens.Muesli and yogurt, is an excellent breakfast option. You can better it, by adding fresh or dried fruit.