A high level of cholesterolin the blood is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and a serious danger to our health. A balanced diet and continuous physical activity are the first fundamental steps to follow. Alternatively, to keep bad cholesterol levels in check, we can also use excellent natural remedies .
Cholesterol, an indispensable lipid for our body
Cholesterol is a fundamental lipid for our body and plays an indispensable role in the synthesis of components in the digestive process. Among its many functions, it participates in the production of vitamin D by promoting the construction of the cell wall of the nervous system and allows the formation of testosterone and estrogen.
Respecting cholesterol limits is essential for our health, as exceeding the recommended levels would mean greater cardiovascular risks and the likelihood of stroke, heart attack and arteriosclerosis.
High cholesterol
The main causes
High cholesterol is a problem that affects many people, especially the elderly. The cause almost always lies in improper nutrition and poor physical activity, associated with a genetic predisposition.
A diet based on saturated or animal-based fatty acids – such as dairy products, cream and butter for example – contains a high amount of cholesterol. For this reason it is better to opt for a diet rich in plant foods: in fact, fruit and vegetables are practically free of bad cholesterol.
4 natural remedies to reduce excess cholesterol In
addition to a balanced diet and constant physical activity, we can use natural remedies to reduce cholesterol. In nature there are some elements capable of decreasing blood cholesterol levels when they do not reach too high levels.
For the occasion, we recommend 4 types of plants, or extracts, which have the ability to limit the absorption of cholesterol through an improvement in liver function:
- Fermented red rice: fermented red rice obtained from the fermentation of the common rice thanks to a particular yeast, called red yeast. During fermentation, this yeast is enriched with a series of substances, including monacolin K, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a plant with digestive and diuretic properties belonging to the Asteraceae family. In addition to the qualities just mentioned, it has purifying and anti- inflammatory properties , virtues that make it an excellent ally in the treatment of liver-related diseases .
- The artichoke , whose botanical name is Cynara scolymus, is a plant of the Asteraceae family, the same plant to which dandelion, radicchio, endive chicory, thistle, Jerusalem artichoke and sunflower also belong. The artichoke is not only a vegetable to be used in the kitchen, but also a perfect medicinal plant with effective beneficial properties. Rich in precious nutrients – such as mineral salts and trace elements – artichoke leaves are indicated for infusions against arthritis and arteriosclerosis pains.
- Infusions based on rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) purify the functions of the liver and promote greater bile production . In addition to some digestive and astringent characteristics, rosemary is essential in the disposal of triglycerides .
- Birch ( Betula alba L., Betula pubescens) is a medium-sized tree, typical of the cold areas of northern and central Europe. The diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties of its leaves, bark and buds are used for phytotherapeutic purposes against cholesterol and cellulite.
Ask your trusted pharmacist or herbalist for the natural remedy that suits your needs. If you want to know more about cholesterol, read also The activity of plant sterols against cholesterol.
