What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a kind of fat that exists in the blood, and the body cells need it to function optimally. Fortunately, the human body produces cholesterol, however, you could get more cholesterol from fatty foods. Having more than the required amount of cholesterol in your body causes it to start building up in your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This condition may further lead to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. People who have high cholesterol levels suffer a condition called hypercholesterolemia.

Types of Cholesterol

Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

LDL is unhealthy cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

HDL is the healthy cholesterol that reduces your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Inactivity

People who don`t exercise regularly experience increased LDL levels and increase HDL levels.

Overweight

Overweight people are at risk of lowering the levels of healthy cholesterol and increasing the levels of bad cholesterol.

Family History

People who have a family history of high cholesterol levels have a higher chance of suffering it.

Age

Usually, people experience a rise in cholesterol (LDL) levels from age 20.

Foods Rich in Saturated and Trans Fats

Regular consumption of foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats increase the levels of LDL or unhealthy cholesterol.

15 Home Remedies to Lower Cholesterol

Fish Oil

You only need 1000 mg of fish oil supplements for this remedy.

What you Should Do

• Consume 1000 mg of fish oil supplements.
• You can consume fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
• You may do this on a daily basis.

Why Does this Work?

Fish oil is bursting with omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is a sure way to reduce your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Essential Oils

Lemongrass Essential Oil

What you Need

• 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 1 glass of water

What you Should Do

• Add two drops of lemongrass essential oil to a glass of water and mix properly.
• Drink the solution twice daily.

Why Does this Work?

Lemongrass essential oil has a primary analgesic function and has anti-inflammatory effects. It lowers cholesterol levels and dilates the blood vessels for uninterrupted blood flow.

Holy Basil Essential Oil

You Will Need

• 2 drops of holy basil oil
• 1 glass of water

What you Should Do

• Add two drops of holy basil oil to a glass of water.
• Mix thoroughly and consume.
• You should consume this mixture twice daily.

Why Does this Work?

Holy basil essential oil has got cholesterol-lowering properties because it contains a compound called eugenol.

Vitamins

Vitamins B3, C, and E reduce cholesterol levels. Vitamin C supplements particularly reduce LDL levels, while vitamins B3 and E deal with symptoms of high cholesterol like atherosclerosis by reducing the build-up of cholesterol in your arteries. Vitamin-rich foods you can consume include green leafy vegetables, chicken, citrus fruits, tuna, almonds, sweet potato, and mushrooms.

Chia Seeds

All you need for this remedy is a tablespoon of chia seeds. Add the seeds to fruit juice or smoothie and consume it. Consuming chia seeds daily will reduce your cholesterol levels.

Why Does this Work?

Chia seeds are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids that reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Grapefruit Juice

You only need to drink a glass of fresh grapefruit juice after each meal to reduce cholesterol. The amount of protein, fiber, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, fiber, and other essential nutrients in grapefruit benefit the body immensely. It`s also got antioxidants that work with these nutrients to reduce cholesterol levels.

Coconut Oil

You only need coconut oil for this remedy.

What you Should Do

• Add coconut oil to your meals and salads.
• Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil.
• Consume a tablespoon of coconut oil every morning.
• You may do any or all of these every day.

Why Does this Work?

Coconut oil increases healthy cholesterol levels in the blood, and as a result, lowers the unhealthy cholesterol levels and reduces your risk for heart disease, alongside keeping your weight in check.

Garlic

You only need minced garlic cloves for this home remedy.

What you Should Do

• Add minced garlic cloves to your dishes and salads.
• Chew on peeled garlic cloves.
• Try consuming garlic daily.

Why Does this Work?

Allicin, a compound in garlic, reduces cholesterol levels naturally and only gets released when you crush it.

Celery Juice

You only need two stalks of celery, ½ cup of water, and some honey if you want, to get this mixture ready.

What you Should Do

• Blend two stalks of celery with half a cup of water.
• Strain and add some honey to taste.
• You may drink this juice twice daily.

Why Does this Work?

Celery contains antioxidants, so consuming it regularly can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Green Tea

You need a teaspoon of green tea, some honey, and a cup of water for this treatment.

What you Should Do

• Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of water.
• Boil it in a saucepan.
• Let it simmer for five minutes and strain.
• Add some honey after it cools down.
• You may drink this warm thrice daily.

Why Does this Work?

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, owing to its epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content.

Yogurt

You only need a bowl of probiotic yogurt for this home remedy. Simply consume a bowl of it daily.

Why Does this Work?

Probiotic yogurt contains healthy bacteria that improve gut health and lower your cholesterol levels naturally.

Orange Juice

You only need to drink a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice thrice daily to enjoy its cholesterol-reducing benefit and enjoy good heart health.

Pomegranate Juice

Drink a cup of fresh pomegranate juice twice daily to relish its high amounts of antioxidants that lower LDL cholesterol and keep heart disease away.

Lemon Juice

You only need ½ lemon, some honey, and a glass of warm water to reduce cholesterol with lemon juice.

What you Should Do

• Extract the juice of the lemon to a glass of warm water
• Mix properly and add some honey to it.
• Drink the juice immediately.
• You may do this once daily, preferably in the morning, before having any meal.

Why Does this Work?

Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that make it effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels and aiding weight loss.

Apple Cider Vinegar

With a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, some honey, and a glass of water, you`re good to go.

What you Should Do

• Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix thoroughly.
• Add some honey to the mixture and drink it.
• You may do this every other day.

Why Does this Work?

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and pectin. Its acetic acid content helps you shed excess weight and unhealthy cholesterol.

Flaxseeds

Grab a tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds, a glass of warm water or milk, and some honey; you`re good to go!

What you Should Do

• Add a tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds to a glass of warm water or milk and mix properly.
• You may add some honey for extra flavor and drink immediately.
• You may do this once daily.

Why Does this Work?

Flaxseeds contain a lignan called secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) that ensures the reduction of blood cholesterol and decreases your risk of developing liver diseases.