Do you suffer from cholesterol and would you like to help control it naturally? Some infusions can help lower your blood cholesterol levels.
Discover below several plants whose properties have been studied to improve this problem and reduce this great risk marker for cardiovascular disease.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can be found in every cell in the body. It is a natural substance and even necessary for the body as it serves to produce both vitamin D and hormones and substances that help digest food.
The problem appears when normal levels are exceeded. In these cases, cholesterol can combine with other components and form plaque, a substance that sticks to the walls of blood vessels and can eventually block them.
Cholesterol is usually related to unhealthy lifestyle habits; for example, with the intake of a large amount of saturated fats, a sedentary life and smoking.
Next, we will share with you some of the best infusions to lower cholesterol. Remember that if your levels are high, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. Infusions can help you control cholesterol but they are not a substitute for professionally prescribed treatment.
The 8 best infusions to lower cholesterol
Although infusions will not cure this disease, they can help you improve levels and accompany the treatment indicated by the specialist, contributing to a considerable decrease in this marker.
Green Tea
Green tea has become famous for its wide-ranging health benefits, the best known of which is weight loss. But did you know that it can prevent cardiovascular disease? This is because its catechins and enzymes reduce cholesterol absorption and interfere with its adhesion to blood vessels. As you can see, drinking a cup of green tea a day can be a good idea.
Turmeric infusion
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a polyphenol that helps prevent cardiovascular disease due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to several studies, this substance acts on cholesterol, reducing its presence in the blood.
Prepare the turmeric infusion by placing a teaspoon of the powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let it decoction for about 10 minutes before serving and sweeten with honey.
Garlic infusion
Grandmothers usually recommend consuming garlic to keep “bad” cholesterol levels at bay. Although many of us thought that this was due more to popular belief than reality, today we must agree with them. A study concluded that those who had consumed 5 g of raw garlic twice a day over a period of 42 days had lower levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol.
For this reason, we invite you to include garlic infusion in your diet. In particular, we recommend combining green tea with garlic to enhance its effects. Due to the strong flavor of the bulb, infuse one clove of garlic per bag of green tea and cup of hot water (at 85 ° C).
Artichoke infusion
Research found that artichoke extract lowers cholesterol levels in those who exceed adequate levels.
Due to its bitter taste, we recommend combining the artichoke with orange. To do this, infuse an artichoke and the skin of an orange for 10 minutes in 1 l of water. Turn off the heat, let the temperature drop and consume.
Basil infusion
Basil is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols; these substances act on cholesterol, lowering it. So now you know, if you have a plant at home, don’t hesitate to prepare an infusion.
Infuse a tablespoon of fresh leaves for each cup of boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes and sweeten with honey or accompany with some citrus juice, if you wish.
Mate
Among the properties of mate, that typical infusion from Argentina, Uruguay and other Latin American countries, there is a great antioxidant potential.
Additionally, a clinical animal trial found that it helps lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. More studies are necessary, but this would make mate a good infusion to lower cholesterol. By the way, if you want to learn how to prepare it like the Argentines, we recommend our basic mate guide.
Dandelion infusion
The dandelion infusion helps lower blood cholesterol levels, minimizing the risk of heart disease.
Boil the water and add 1 handful of dandelion flowers, previously washed, for each cup. Strain and sweeten with honey before drinking.
Fenugreek tea
Fenugreek is a flowering plant of the Fabaceae family, native to Southwest Asia. Its consumption regulates the level of triglycerides in the blood, thus allowing it to regulate cholesterol.
Its infusion is made with 15 g of fenugreek per cup of boiling water. After letting it rest for about 5 minutes, it is ingested.
If your cholesterol levels are a bit high, follow the advice of your doctor and the medication he prescribes. The infusions to lower cholesterol will be a complement that will benefit and delight you.