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Kitchen Spices That Reduce Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a lipid (waxy substance) made naturally by the liver. It also comes from the food you eat. Eating too much food with saturated fats can raise bad cholesterol levels. Bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), causes plaque to form in the arteries, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), carries cholesterol to the liver to be eliminated. Reducing levels of bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Kitchen spices can help you do just that.

  1. Cinnamon

    • Cinnamon has been used in different cultures for different medical maladies. In China, cinnamon is used to treat colds, digestive problems, nausea, diarrhea and painful periods. The Egyptians used it to embalm bodies and as a food preservative. The Romans used it as a healing agent and to purify the air in the house. Today, cinnamon still enjoys many health claims--from treating diabetes to cancer. According to Reader's Digest., a Pakistani study found that 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon daily can reduce bad cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes by nearly 30 percent and cut total cholesterol by 26 percent.

      Use powdered cinnamon in baking or to add flavor to cooking. Sprinkle cinnamon on toasts, desserts, fruits or drinks like coffee or hot cocoa.

    Turmeric

    • Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and the flesh is a bright orange color. It is often used to flavor Asian and Indian cooking in curries, stews, and as a seasoning for meat and fish. However, it is not just a culinary spice; turmeric boasts many health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. According to Medline Plus, early studies revealed that turmeric can lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol in the body. Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, acts as a messaging molecule, directing genes in the liver to increase production of messenger proteins to rid the body of bad cholesterol.

      Although turmeric is often found in curry powder, the amount is not significant. It is better to obtain the pure form of turmeric to enjoy the highest levels of curcumin. Use curcumin to flavor curries, lentil soup, stir-fry, and as a seasoning for meat and fish.

    Ginger

    • Ginger delivers more than flavor to food, desserts and drinks. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this underground stem from the Zingiber officinale plant can benefit those with heart disease. Preliminary studies showed that ginger may lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood from clotting, thanks to its active ingredients, gingerols and shogoals.

      Spice up your food with grated ginger or steep slices of ginger in boiling water for a refreshing ginger drink. Ginger adds fresh flavor to stir-fry, soups, marinades and sauces. Pickled ginger is a common Asian condiment. This herb is also available in extracts, tinctures, capsules and oils.

    Rosemary

    • This well-known culinary herb has been used to treat a variety of ailments from digestive disorders to headaches. Rosemary boosts two active ingredients, caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid, both potent antioxidants responsible for its therapeutic properties. Including rosemary in your diet can benefit cardiovascular function, as it improves blood flow and lowers high cholesterol and blood pressure as well.

      Use rosemary to season meat and fish. It can be used to flavor sauces, casseroles, marinades and salad dressing.

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