Cholesterol is important for different body functions. Naturally our bodies makes cholesterol, even if we don’t eat foods high in cholesterol, we will still produce it. The problem is when we have a high intake of dietary cholesterol and our bodies can’t limit the production of cholesterol. Thus total serum cholesterol goes up and LDL increases.
Too much LDL (bad) cholesterol can be detrimental. LDL cholesterol is associated with atherosclerosis which is the blockage of arteries. Atherosclerosis may lead to heart attacks or stroke. Keeping LDL down and HDL (good) cholesterol up could reduce your risks for heart disease and stoke.
Have you ever wondered why HDL cholesterol is good?
I have. We love HDL because it helps protects us. When we have too much LDL in our system, HDL goes and grabs it from your arteries and takes it to your liver, thus your arteries aren’t getting stacked with plaque and when there is less plaque surrounding your arteries, your blood flows easily throughout your body so you reduce your chances of getting a heart attack and/or stroke!
Trying to control or reduce your cholesterol levels? Try these four amazing herbs.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a great herb. It can be used in juice recipes, added to different foods, you can eat it raw or even roast it. Some people don’t like the after odor of garlic. If you’re juicing garlic, here’s a great trick: wrap a handful of parsley around the garlic clove and feed it into the juicer. The chlorophyll from the parsley actually absorbs the odor of the garlic! Or if you have bad breath you can also chew on parsley 
Garlic has been shown to lower total serum cholesterol which is the amount of cholesterol that is found in your bloodstream. Garlic not only lowers total serum cholesterol, it also lowers LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol.
2. Ginger
I don’t have to explain my love of ginger. Ginger has amazing potential to lower total serum cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol. Ginger also inhibits platelet aggregation. You can add ginger to your juice recipes and also make ginger tea. To make ginger tea, juice 1 inch slice of ginger and half a lemon, add this to 1 cup of warm/hot water. Drink and enjoy.
3. Cayenne
Cayenne is great and has many benefits from reducing pain associated with arthritis but it also helps reduce cholesterol levels. Cayenne’s active ingredient is capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to decrease platelet aggregation which thinning the blood. It has also shown to lower LDL levels when raising HDL levels. You can add cayenne to your juices or foods.
4. Reishi
Reishi is a type of mushroom that is often referred to as the “supernatural mushroom.” Reishi may protect the body from accumulated build up of fatty acids and cholesterol. It has also shown to lower blood lipids, lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Remember to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease or stroke you need to eat healthy and stay active. Before starting any new protocol talk to your physician first.