High levels of cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia is a medical condition that is a risk factor for many chronic diseases like stroke, hypertension, and heart attack.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) produced by the body; it can also be gotten through foods and it has lots of functions in the body and it is used to repair damaged blood vessels.

Only moderate amount of cholesterol is needed in the body. Excess cholesterol buildup in the arteries; this narrows the flow of blood or it can even obstruct it completely.

Risk factors for this condition are obesity, physical inactivity, family history and genetics, age, smoking, and unhealthy foods. The normal levels of total cholesterol in the body should be less than 200 mg/dl and anything above 240 mg/dl is high and risky.

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There are medications like statins that are given to people with high levels of cholesterol to help bring it down, but these drugs are not healthy, they have serious side effects and they cause lots of health problems.

We will be looking at effective natural remedies that help one control the production of cholesterol and bring down high levels of cholesterol.

Effective Remedies against Hypercholesterolemia

1. Garlic

Though generally used as a spice, this herb has been used for thousands of years as medicine; and one powerful effect of garlic is its ability to bring down high concentrations of cholesterol in the body.

It reduces the levels of cholesterol, it prevents the accumulation and buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels, and it also reduces the risk of the health complications caused by hypercholesterolemia like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

A study found out that taking garlic extract for 3 months lowers the levels of cholesterol in the blood. You can take fresh garlic cloves daily; you can add it to cooked meals, you can also take garlic supplement or tablets.

2. Coconut oil

This is an effective home remedy for high cholesterol; it is rich in lauric acid, this compound raises the levels of good cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol) and reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol).

Take two tablespoons of coconut oil daily; you can also use it to cook your meals. It is a better alternative than most vegetable cooking oils.

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3. Amla

Also known as Indian gooseberry; this fruit has a natural hypolipidemic effect. It reduces the concentrations of lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream; studies have rated this rate to have anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects in addition to its hypolipidemic effects.

4. Oranges and orange juice

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and folate; these nutrients help to bring down high levels of blood cholesterol. A study confirmed that drinking 750 ml of orange juice daily reduces the levels of high cholesterol and triglycerides.

Make sure you take more of homemade orange juice that are free of preservatives, sweeteners and other chemicals that can affect the body negatively thereby worsening the condition.

Also, make sure you buy non-GMO oranges.

5. Red onions

Red onions are effective against increased levels of cholesterol; they elevate the levels of HDL and reduce that of LDL and they help to cut the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases caused by hypercholesterolemia by half.

Add lots of onions, ginger, and garlic in your meals; you can mix a teaspoon of onion juice and a teaspoon of honey together, take this mixture at least once daily.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids

Fatty fish like sardines, tuna, trout, herring, mackerel, bluefish and salmons and fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids; these fatty acids bring down high levels of cholesterol and lipids in the bloodstream.

Take about 1 to 4 grams of fish oil daily; if you are a vegetarian, then a good plant source of omega-3 is flaxseed. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid.

7. Red yeast rice

This reduces the production of cholesterol in the body; it contains a compound called monacolins, thus compound inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol and this helps a long way in reducing its level in the body.

This rice has been used for centuries by the Chinese to treat ailments; it is made by fermenting rice by red yeast. You can get this from natural health stores or pharmacies. Take it according to the prescription; consult your doctor before taking this especially if you are on medication and those suffering from liver problems, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid this.

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8. Green tea

Green tea is an effective remedy for hypercholesterolemia. It is rich in Catechins, it prevents oxidative damage and brings down high levels of cholesterol and lipids in the body.

If you’ve carried out a blood test and it is confirmed that you have elevated levels of cholesterol, then it is advised you take at least 7 cups of green tea daily.

This will help you bring down high levels of cholesterol, especially LDL, the bad cholesterol.

9. Grapefruit juice

Rich in essential nutrients like proteins, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants; this fruit juice helps to reduce the levels of cholesterol in the body.

Take at least a fresh glass of grapefruit juice daily; especially after meals.

10. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber and soluble fiber helps to mop out excess cholesterol and lipids from the body; it also reduces the ability of the body to absorb cholesterol from foods and reduces the levels of cholesterol.

Take a cup of cooked oatmeal daily.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned remedies will help anyone bring down elevated levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the body; lifestyle changes will also boost the effectiveness of these herbs.

If you smoke, quit; engage in carriers and hobbies that involve physical activity, eat healthy foods regularly and avoid taking junks and processed foods as your main meals.

If you are obese, try and lose weight; this will go a long way to reduce the production of cholesterol and reduce its concentration. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables on a regular base and try to reduce stress, because chronic stress can increase the production of cholesterol in the body.