Health & FoodMagazine

8 Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally

 




 

   

Getting rid of stress and strengthening your immune system will help reduce cholesterol naturally

 

La Healthy Living | By Anya Vien

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Cholesterol is a natural by product of the liver and is a vital component of good health. Every cell in our body has cholesterol in its outer layer. Cholesterol is a lipid that’s created by the body to protect the cell membrane; your body needs it for many things, such as making new cells. Normal cholesterol is important for cellular repair and development. When the amount of cholesterol increases or decreases, the cells are affected. Cholesterol plays an essential part in producing hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone and cortisone. It also produces bile acids which aid in digestion and vitamin absorption. Cholesterol is a precursor to vitamin D production. It helps regulate the amount of water and salt retention in the body, and is known to help improve the immune system and memory functions. Cholesterol is also a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, your body requires cholesterol to function properly. When your cholesterol levels are too low, your body is unable to perform the vital function cholesterol is responsible for. Most people who get diagnosed with high cholesterol get prescribed statin medication to lower it. So, is there such a thing as too much cholesterol? Yes. But not for the reasons main stream doctors tell you. Excess cholesterol builds up in the blood stream. It happens as a result of the inflammation in your body which your cholesterol is constantly fighting. Therefore, you should not fight the body’s defense system (cholesterol) but rather get to the root of the problem. Stress and consequently inflammation are likely reasons for high cholesterol levels. Getting rid of stress and strengthening your immune system will help reduce cholesterol naturally.
 




 

#1 – Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has been clinically proven to lower cholesterol. Lemongrass is one of the most effective anti-microbial essential oils available. It possesses a variety of important substances that support the immune system. It is a analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent as well. It can be taken internally or topically.

 

#2 – Clove Essential OIl

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is also known for its anti-infectious, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Clove also has the largest antioxidant value of any single essential oil known to man. The active essential oil in clove, eugenol, has been found to act as a an effective platelet inhibitor, preventing blood clots.

 

#3 – Magnesium

Magnesium activates over 300 different biochemical reactions necessary for your body to function properly. When the body is magnesium deficient, cholesterol continues to be produced in excess, which may cause cholesterol build-up. In The Magnesium Miracle, Dr. Carolyn Dean tells you how magnesium acts as a natural statin, limiting cholesterol production and preventing cholesterol build-up.   Besides getting magnesium through your diet, applying magnesium oil topically can also be helpful.

 

#4 – Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation. Vitamin C aids in clearing the blood vessels. It triggers a enzyme that breaks down cholesterol and triglycerides into free fatty acids. This process helps prevent fatty deposits from clinging to the walls of the arteries, which are best known for reducing ir eliminating blood flow to the heart and brain (strokes and heat attacks).

 

#5 – Cinnamon Essential Oil

The primary components of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, gum, tannin, mannitol, coumarins and the essential oils known as aldehydes, eugenol and pinene. Recent studies have found that consuming 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon each day may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 20%.

 

#6 – Blueberries

Blueberries are known to help keep your arteries clear by reducing blood levels of artery-clogging LDL’s. Blueberries have a very high antioxidant levels, which is very beneficial for the cardiovascular system. They also contain pterostilbene, which lowers cholesterol.

#7 – Coconut Oil

The latest study from Malaysia showed how coconut oil can potentially reduce pain and inflammation. Coconut oil (where to find) contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown that lauric acid increases the good (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood, helping to improve LDL/HDL ratio levels.

Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies.

 

#8 – Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that reduces inflammation and clotting. It is important that you are using a high quality oil that was created with the right type of production method. (this is what I use)

 

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This article first appeared in the LA Healthy Living

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