How to Reduce Cholesterol Using African Herbs

Learning how to reduce cholesterol using African herbs may sound like "voodoo" to some, but numerous clinical studies have chronicled the ability of certain herbs to help reduce high levels of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can eventually lead to atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries brought on by the buildup of fatty deposits within the arterial walls. Some of these herbs are readily available and can be incorporated into daily diet routines.

Instructions

Changing Your Lifestyle

• 1

  Visit your doctor to determine your current cholesterol levels. Do not rely on home testing when it comes to cholesterol because it is nearly impossible to differentiate between good and bad cholesterol levels with home testing kits. If you know or have been told by your physician in the past that you need to lower your cholesterol, make sure you have had your cholesterol levels tested recently.

• 2

  Decide which African herbs you will be incorporating into your diet. The best approach is to keep it very simple. Although not exclusive to Africa, garlic has been shown to help lower high LDL levels. High LDL levels (bad cholesterol) have been shown to contribute to atherosclerosis. Other herbs, like African ginger, have also been shown to contribute to lower cholesterol levels. It may be preferable to take these traditional herbal remedies in pill form due to the pungent taste and odor of the herbs.

• 3

  Change your eating habits. It is best to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, which, according to Dr. Linda White, means a concerted effort to "get the good fats" and "eat more plant foods." By eating a diet that consists of larger quantities of vegetables, fruits and legumes, it is possible to automatically lower bad cholesterol levels. Similarly, by avoiding foods like high-fat dairy products and red meat whenever possible, you can expect to lower cholesterol levels.

• 4

  Exercise daily. Even minimal walking regimens of 20 to 30 minutes three or four days per week have been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels through the positive effects associated with exercise. Exercise can reduce body weight, which is also a significant risk factor associated with high levels of cholesterol.

• 5

  Make other lifestyle changes that affect cholesterol levels. Dr. White has suggested that quitting smoking can play a positive role in cholesterol reduction, as can daily consumption of wine or other forms of alcohol: "Although any kind of alcohol has cardiovascular benefits, red wine has the additional benefit of being rich in bioflavonoids that decrease platelet stickiness (to discourage abnormal blood clots) and act as strong antioxidants. Antioxidants help mop up damage caused by free radicals, which are marauding chemicals that can injure tissues, including arterial linings, and alter LDL cholesterol."

  By incorporating these simple steps into your lifestyle and supplementing your diet with traditional African herbs, you can significantly reduce your cholesterol levels and thus your risk for cardiovascular disease.