Since herbs are known to have antioxidant properties, using herbs to lower cholesterol is highly appropriate. The antioxidant properties protect blood vessel walls and overall the heart. Besides this, some herbs are touted to be just as effective as mainstream drugs for lowering cholesterol levels. It is also generally known that herbs are considered safe since they present no or very insignificant side effects.

Most of the herbs help lower the cholesterol level through the same process. Cholesterol lowering herbs create more bile and a more steady bile flow in the body. There are also some cholesterol lowering herbs (but also certain vegetables) that contain a certain compound that help the digestion and increase bile flow. This kind of compound is contained in artichoke for example. Soon after cholesterol enters the system, the increased bile flow will force fats and cholesterol to leave the body. Remember that it is very important that bile circulates through the body since if it remains in one place (especially the liver) it can have damaging effects on the body.

The stem of the mukul myrrh tree produces a yellowish resin called guggul. For centuries, this Indian herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a supplement to lower cholesterol levels. Assisting with the breaking down of the LDL, it also seems to increase the uptake of cholesterol by the liver. For those who use about 25 milligrams of guggulsterone (the active ingredient in guggul extract) three times per day, studies have shown a potential decrease of 10 to 27 percent in cholesterol levels

Garlic’s curing properties have been known for centuries as it was used for treating different illness. Garlic has a highly concentrated content of organosulfur substances that can be also found in vegetables like cauliflower, onion and broccoli. But garlic’s sulfur concentration is four times higher than other vegetables’. Why is garlic good for managing your cholesterol? Well, sulphur lowers the serum cholesterol level (LDL or bad cholesterol) and raises HDL or good cholesterol.

Minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium, but also a lot of vitamins are contained in alfalfa herb – this being the reason for which this certain herb is very important for your health. It has been shown through scientific studies that alfalfa is used to cure high cholesterol but also to treat symptoms of the menopause. Alfalfa herbs contain a certain compound called saponins. Saponins are sugar derivatives that are very effective in blocking cholesterol absorption by the body. Also, this herb helps transfer cholesterol and removes it from the body and it also prevents blood clots.

Artichoke leaf extract, or Cynara Scolymnus may actually help lower cholesterol, according to recent studies and research. It is thought that this works by limiting the body's production of cholesterol. Two other things increase cholesterol excretion and both things are caused by a compound found in artichokes called Cynarin. One of these things is increased bile production in the liver and the other is a faster flow of bile from the gallbladder. For these reasons, artichoke leaf may be extremely helpful for those with high cholesterol.

Read about Terminalia Arjuna, Lowering Cholesterol and Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

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