Some natural ways to lower cholesterol are to ingest food or drinks that are rich in antioxidants and soluble fibers, like pineapple and orange smoothies or turmeric tea. These are important for reducing the accumulation of fat in the body.
Excessive intake of sugar, fat and alcohol can lead to increased cholesterol levels in the blood. When cholesterol is chronically elevated, patients are at an increased risk for heart disease.
It is important to highlight that these natural approaches should not replace treatment prescribed by your doctor. To ensure you obtain the maximal therapeutic effect, it is important that these natural ways to lower cholesterol are included in a healthy and balanced diet that is made up of fruits and vegetables. You should decrease you intake of high-fat foods an alcohol.
1. Pineapple and orange pulp smoothie
Pineapple and orange pulp smoothie is great for lowering cholesterol. Both contain soluble fibers that help to reduce fat concentration in the blood. This can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 2 slicers of pineapple
- 1 orange with pulp
- Juice from 1 lemon
How to prepare
Mix all ingredients in a blender, strain and drink twice a day, in the morning and at night.
2. Turmeric tea
Turmeric tea is a great home remedy for lowering cholesterol. This medicinal plant contains antioxidant properties that help to eliminate fat and toxins in the blood, leading to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare
Boil the water, and add the turmeric. Cover, allow to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes then strain. Drink 2 to 4 cups of tea per day.
3. Oat and cinnamon water
Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that help to reduce fat absorption in the intestines. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, and the two together can help to reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 500 mL of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to prepare
Mix the oats with the water and cinnamon, and allow to soak overnight. The next day, strain and drink. Drink this every day, preferably while fasting.
You can also make cinnamon tea using just the cinnamon stick, or add cinnamon powder to desserts or to your oatmeal in the morning. Learn more about the health benefits of cinnamon, and how to incorporate it into your diet.
4. Beet and apple smoothie
Beets and apples are both high in fiber, and together they can reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The lemon helps to cleanse the body as it is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Ingredients
- 50 g of beets
- 2 apples
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 small piece of ginger
How to prepare
Chop the beets and apples into small squares. Add all ingredients to the blender. Drink 1 cup of this smoothie per day.
5. Garlic water
Garlic contains antioxidant properties that help to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol naturally, which can also reduce the risk for cardiac diseases.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of garlic
- 100 mL of water
How to prepare
Smash the garlic and place in the water. Allow to soak overnight, then drink the water on an empty stomach.
Garlic can also be used to season foods, prepared as tea or ingest in capsule form. Learn more about the benefits of garlic and how it can be consumed.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is rich in phenolic compounds as well as flavonoids, which have antioxidant action in the body. It can lower cholesterol levels when added to a healthy diet.
How to take: Ideally, you should aim to consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day. It can be added to salads or used to season foods. Pure vinegar is not recommended because it can lead to tooth decay and throat ulcers.
7. Dill tea
Dill tea can help to reduce triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. It is rich in flavonoids, tannins and terpenes, which have antioxidant properties that can reduce cardiac disease.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dill seeds and leaves
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Place the dill leaves and seeds in the boiling water and allow to soak for about 15 minutes. Then strain and drink while warm.
8. Eggplant water
Eggplant water can help to lower cholesterol levels as it contains nasunin and anthocyanins. These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help to prevent cardiac problems.
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, with peel
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 liter of water
How to prepare
Slice the eggplant and add to a pitcher of water with lemon juice. Refrigerate over night, and drink this water throughout the day the following day. app
