High Cholesterol Treatments

Fiber

Fiber, especially soluble fiber, is one of the best natural high cholesterol treatments for a few reasons. After eating fiber, you feel fuller because fiber absorbs water in the stomach and swells up, and you tend to eat less.

Also, when soluble fiber reaches the intestines, it forms a gel and this gel traps molecules of cholesterol before they can get into the bloodstream. Some sources of soluble fiber include barley, asparagus, beans, and oats.

Flaxseed

Whole flaxseeds are high on the list of natural high cholesterol treatments because they contain cholesterol lowering omega 3, phytosterols, and are rich in soluble fiber.

Flaxseed oil doesn't contain the fiber and all of the phytosterols. In addition, whole flaxseeds must be ground up or soaked in water before eating because they won't break down during digestion if left whole.

Carrot

Carrots and other foods that contain high amounts of pectin are good natural high cholesterol treatments. Eating as few as 2 carrots per day may lower cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent.

Other foods containing pectin are apples and citrus rinds - the white inner layer. About ninety percent of the pectin is located in the fiber of these foods, so don't use a juicer.

Guggul

Another one of the better herbal high cholesterol treatments, closely related to myrrh, is guggul. Studies have shown that cholesterol levels can be reduced by as much as 20 percent by taking a 500 mg capsule of guggul with each meal, (3 meals per day).

This should give you a daily dosage of about 75 mg of the active constituent known as guggulsterone.

Ginger

In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, ginger also temporarily lowers blood pressure. Take one 500 mg capsule three times per day.

Soy

For people with very high levels, soy is one of the best natural high cholesterol treatments, because it contains high levels of compounds called isoflavins. Isoflavins decrease the level of cholesterol produced by the liver.

Whole soy beans are best. Soak the dried beans in water overnight, then drain and cook them for about 2 1/2 hours in a covered container. Alternatively, you can eat green soybeans, known as edamame, which are an easier recipe.

Tofu is another good soy option. Add it to casseroles, stews or to substitute meat or cheese in stir fries. Tempeh, as well as miso, is fermented and has somewhat of a smoky taste.

One of the most popular versions of these high cholesterol treatments is the soy smoothie. In a blender, mix some of your favorite fresh fruits, 2 ounces of tofu and 1 cup of soy milk and blend well.

Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms contain large amounts of lentinan, a compound which is known to reduce cholesterol levels.

Red Meat

Reduce your intake of red meat. A lot of the high cholesterol causing saturated fat found in today's American diet comes from red meat.

Sesame

Phytosterols are compounds found in most all plants, and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, pushing out some of the cholesterol that's in there.

Phytosterols also help prevent cholesterol from sticking to the walls of the ateries. Sesame seeds are the best in this category of natural high cholesterol treatments because they contain the most phytosterols per dry weight.

More Phytosterols

Lettuce, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, asparagus, okra, cauliflower, spinach, pumpkin, squash, tomatoes, olive oil, celery, and apricots all contain high amounts of phytosterols.

Onion

Another one of the better herbal high cholesterol treatments is onion oil. It's said to lower cholesterol by 10 to 30 percent in some people. Include plenty of onion in your recipes, or take 3 tablespoons of onion oil daily.

Wine

Many studies have shown that red wine, in moderate amounts, can reduce the chances of having a heart attack by as much as 50 percent in some cases. It contains compounds that help prevent blood clots and also help prevent cholesterol from sticking to the walls of the arteries.

Hawthorn

In addition to research showing that hawthorn reduces cholesterol levels, it happens to be the best herb for your heart, making it one of the most effective herbal high cholesterol treatments. Take 2000 mg daily in capsule form, or 1 teaspoon of tincture 3 times per day.

Grapefruit

As well as containing a lot of pectin, red grapefruit also contains large amounts of the carotenoid called lycopene, an antioxidant that helps prevent cholesterol from sticking to the artery walls.

Margarine

Most margarines contain hydrogenated fats, which raise chloesterol just as much as saturated fats.

However, some new margarines are made with plant sterols, which help prevent cholesterol levels from increasing. Making the switch can be one of the easiest high cholesterol treatments youy can accomplish on your own.

Studies have shown that switching to one of these new plant sterol containing margarines can lower cholesterol by 15 percent.

Vitamin C

Take about 500 mg per day. Also, foods rich in vitamin C include spinach, green and red peppers, oranges, and tomatoes.

Safflower

Switching from other oils to safflower oil can lower cholesterol levels by 9 to 15 percent.

Whole Grains

Make the switch from white to brown. White bread, white rice, and white flour have all had most of the fiber removed during processing. Meanwhile, the whole grain varieties of these foods are teeming with fiber.

Garlic

Studies have shown that garlic is one of the most effective herbal high cholesterol treatments with one clove per day lowering cholesterol levels by as much as 15 percent. Take 1 clove per day or 800 mg in capsule form.

Fenugreek

The herb fenugreek contains high amounts of a fiber called mucilage, and has be proven to lower cholesterol.

Green Tea

Green tea has high amounts of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help prevent cholesterol from sticking to artery walls.

Psyllium

Psyllium is another good source of soluble fiber, making it one of the better high cholesterol treatments you can do. Twice per day, take 1 tablespoon of crushed psyllium seed and mix in a glass of water, or sprinkle over foods.

Dandelion

Because dandelion is a bitter, it helps to reduce the level of cholesterol produced by the liver. Drink 1 or 2 cups of dandelion root tea before each meal, or take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.