Table of contents:
- Various choices of herbal remedies for cholesterol
- 1. Garlic
- 2. Ginger
- 3. Flaxseed
- 4. Raise
- Side effects of using Angkak
- The importance of paying attention to the rules for using herbal cholesterol drugs
High cholesterol can lead to a variety of more serious complications. There are several cholesterol treatment options that you can try. Starting from cholesterol-lowering supplements, chemical drugs, to cholesterol herbal medicines. What are the options for natural cholesterol-lowering or cholesterol-lowering herbal remedies that you might try? Check out the following explanation.
Various choices of herbal remedies for cholesterol
Here are some herbal medicines that are used to lower cholesterol in the blood, including:
1. Garlic
Garlic is believed to be one type of herb that can be used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Based on a study published in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice, garlic has been shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
In the study, garlic powder that was consumed not only lowered LDL levels, but also lowered total blood cholesterol levels as a whole. That way, consuming garlic and using supplements containing garlic are believed to improve heart health.
Even so, further research is still needed regarding the validity of the information regarding the use of garlic as an herbal remedy for cholesterol. The reason is, there are several studies that state that although garlic provides benefits for heart health, its impact on cholesterol levels is not too large.
You can also consult a doctor about the use of one of the herbal remedies for cholesterol at a doctor. Your doctor will help you determine what natural remedies you might be able to use to lower cholesterol in the blood.
2. Ginger
Apart from using garlic as a herbal remedy for cholesterol, ginger is also believed to be used as a natural remedy to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This herbal plant does have a variety of health benefits, from lowering cholesterol levels to helping cancer treatment.
A study published in the Saudi Medical Journal conducted a trial using three grams of ginger powder on 85 individuals for 45 days to lower cholesterol. The results showed that the use of ginger as a herbal medicine was successful in reducing overall cholesterol levels in most individuals.
Another study used five grams of ginger powder in 60 patients who had high cholesterol levels in the 18-70 year age group. After consuming 5 grams of ginger powder every day for three months, LDL cholesterol levels in the blood decreased by 17.41% and total cholesterol levels by 8.83 percent.
Not only that, the levels of triglycerides in the blood also decrease, while HDL or good cholesterol levels increase. That way, you can try using ginger as a natural remedy if you want to lower cholesterol.
Apart from taking ginger in supplement form, you can also consume ginger powder or add ginger to various foods that you consume.
3. Flaxseed
Maybe some of you still don't knowflaxseed. Even though,flaxseedis one of the seeds that has many health benefits, one of which is as an herbal remedy for cholesterol.
This herbal plant is rich in soluble fiber, a nutrient that can help lower cholesterol in the body. FlaxseedIt can be consumed in powder form mixed with food, or in a solid form that can be eaten immediately.
Useflaxseedas an herbal remedy for cholesterol it is believed to help reduce levels of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol in the blood. Even so, further research is still needed to prove the truth.
Even so, in practice, you can't just consume itflaxseed if you really want cholesterol levels in the blood to drop immediately. In addition to using herbal cholesterol drugs, you need to balance it by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
One way is to adjust your diet by choosing healthy foods for cholesterol and avoiding foods high in cholesterol. In addition, you also need to exercise regularly to keep cholesterol levels normal.
In addition to lowering cholesterol,flaxseed It is also believed to be used as a natural remedy to lower high blood pressure, the risk of various heart diseases, and various digestive problems.
4. Raise
Angkak or can be referred to asred yeast rice is another herbal plant that is considered to be used as a medicine to lower cholesterol. Angkak is a traditional food and medicine originating from China and has been frequently used for centuries.
Angkak is believed to lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation, and improve digestive function. Angkak is made by fermentation by adding yeastMonascus purpureuson brown rice.
In its use as a herbal medicine for cholesterol, Angkak seems to have chemical compounds that are similar to those found in statin drugs. These chemical compounds are known by namesmonacolin K.
There are several studies that prove that Angkak orred yeast rice does have benefits in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. One study shows that consuming Angkak can reduce bad cholesterol levels as much and total cholesterol.
Even so, it still needs further research on the safety and effectiveness of Angkak in the long term. The reason is, the researchers are not really sure that the chemical compounds found in Angkak can reduce bad cholesterol in the blood.
Side effects of using Angkak
Angkak also has various side effects that you may have to watch out for. Angkak side effects are generally at a mild level, such as causing headaches, heartburn, and stomach aches.
However, it is not known the long-term effects of Angkak. What's more, the chemical compounds contained in Angkak are similar to those found in statins (monacolin K compounds). These compounds can cause serious side effects if used in excess.
In addition, what you need to pay attention to when consuming Angkak as a herbal remedy for cholesterol is its interaction with other drugs. You should not drink Angkak while you are using statin drugs to lower cholesterol.
Also, when you are taking drugs that suppress the immune system, anti-fungal drugs, certain antibiotics, or HIV drugs (protease inhibitors). We recommend that you first consult with your doctor before you decide to use Angkak as a herbal medicine for cholesterol.
If you have kidney disease, liver disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not drink Angkak.
The importance of paying attention to the rules for using herbal cholesterol drugs
You can certainly use herbal medicines as an alternative if you are unsure about using other types of cholesterol medications, including dietary supplements that can also be used to lower cholesterol.
Even so, the use of herbal medicines also still requires doctor's supervision. So, before you use herbal medicines to lower cholesterol, it would be better if you consult a doctor.
The doctor will certainly help you determine whether your condition can be treated using herbal remedies. It is possible that your condition will be easier to overcome if you use cholesterol drugs or other supplements.
In addition, cholesterol treatment will provide maximum benefits if accompanied by habits or a healthy lifestyle to prevent cholesterol from increasing. Some healthy habits that accompany the use of herbal remedies for cholesterol include:
- Quit smoking.
- Lose weight if obese and maintain ideal body weight.
- Doing exercise regularly.
- Maintain a diet by eating good foods to keep cholesterol safe.
- Limit consumption of foods rich in saturated fat and high in cholesterol.
- Reduce the consumption of trans fats, if necessary, do not eat them at all.
- Reducing alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress well.
By adopting a variety of healthier behaviors or lifestyles as already mentioned, the use of herbal remedies for cholesterol may have a better impact on cholesterol levels in the blood. Not only that, getting used to adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve overall health and quality of life.
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