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HIGH LEVELS CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a normal part of your body tissues. However, many people suffer from high levels of cholesterol, which clogs the arteries of your heart and can eventually lead to coronary heart disease or stroke.

You need to monitor your cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl.

High levels of cholesterol clogs the arteries of your heart and can eventually lead to coronary heart disease or stroke.

Saturated fat raises your blood cholesterol level more than anything else you eat. Moderate your consumption of saturated fat, which is found in all animal products, including meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy.

Exercise and a diet low in fat and high in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains can help lower elevated blood cholesterol. ( Try to walk at least 35-45 minutes a day. )

Lowering the Cholesterol Level

Increase your consumption of the "good" fat omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in deep-sea fish such as salmon and swordfish. Omega-3 is thought to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Consume more dietary fiber and antioxidant nutrients from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Alfalfa is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, D, E, and K, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Exciting new research suggests that alfalfa may reduce blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits, which precede heart disease and stroke.

Tofu and other soy products, which are high in naturally occurring estrogens, have lowered the levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) in clinical studies. Entire cookbooks are devoted to tofu cooking, and most health food stores carry a variety of soy-based products.

High-fiber foods such as apples, alfalfa sprouts, bananas, barley, beans and other legumes, carrots, grapefruit, oat bran, oranges, and strawberries are all essential. The antioxidant compounds in blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries may fight arterial disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL.

3 Magical G's

Scientific studies indicates that one clove of Garlic or its equivalent, taken everyday, is effective in reducing cholesterol levels. (you also can take garlic supplements/capsules)

Ginger also can reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood.

Several studies shows that Ginseng reduces your total blood cholesterol level.

An effective herbal tonic: equal parts of,...* Ginseng * Hawthorn * Yarrow. Make a decoction by boiling the ginseng root in 11/2 pints of water for 10 minutes. Reduce to 1 pint. Add the hawthorn berries and yarrow, cover and steep for another 10 minutes. Use 1 ounce of the total combined herbs recommended, and drink up to 3 cups daily.

Cinnamon has blood-thinning properties that can help lower cholesterol levels. Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of trikatu (a blend of ginger and two kinds of peppers) directly into a cup of hot water, then stir and steep for five minutes. You can add a teaspoon of natural honey once the tea has cooled. Drink this beverage twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Green tea may help lower LDL cholesterol. If possible, drink it in place of coffee. Some studies have shown a troubling connection between caffeine and cholesterol.

Exercise not only helps fight cholesterol and heart disease but helps reduce risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer, depression, anxiety, and stress.

People of all ages can benefit from physical activity. Healthy older adults benefit as much as younger people.

The frequency and duration of the activity are more important than the intensity. Moderately intense exercise, such as brisk walking, is enough for health benefits if you do it on most days of the week.

Normal daily activities -- carrying out the trash, gardening, cleaning, making the bed -- add up.

Herbal Medicine

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