5 tricks to reduce cholesterol quickly

Did you know that cholesterol is NOT really bad for your health? We have the belief-erroneous-that cholesterol, regardless of whether it is at optimum values and therefore normal, is bad for health, when in fact the opposite happens: it is essential for the proper functioning of our body.

We can, for example, pay attention to what are some of the main functions of cholesterol to realize this: it is essential for our cells to be part of the plasma membranes, is a precursor of sex hormones, vitamin D and hormones corticosteroidal, and in turn is an essential component of bile salts.

But that cholesterol is not really bad for health does not mean that its high levels, above what is considered optimal or normal, it is. In this sense, you should bear in mind that normal levels are considered to be those below 200 mg / dl of total cholesterol, and normal-high between 200 and 240 mg / dl.

If you have collected your blood tests and your cholesterol levels are above normal, I propose below 5 easy ways that will help you reduce cholesterol in an effective and simple way. Take note.

Follow a hypocaloric diet, preferably the Mediterranean diet

Did you know that the so-called Mediterranean diet stands out precisely because it is one of the most valued by many nutritionists and dietitians, being considered one of the most appropriate when it comes to following a healthy lifestyle ?.

The food that mainly consists of: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, pasta, bread, potatoes, blue and white fish, white meat, eggs, nuts, seeds and olive oil (preferably the extra virgin option).

Actually follow it is very simple, since you only have to change those unhealthy and little recommended foods (as is the case of pastries, sweets, refined products, fried and battered foods, chips and salty snacks ...) for much healthier foods.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco

It is known that when there is excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, the enzymes that are responsible in our liver to metabolize fats have in turn to metabolize this excess of alcohol, so that not only there is an increase in fat in the liver ( known as fatty liver), it also causes an increase in LDL cholesterol.

On the other hand, tobacco increases the concentration of fats in the blood (increasing LDL cholesterol and lowering HDL cholesterol), due mainly to the presence of carbon monoxide. In fact, nicotine increases platelet aggregability, triglycerides and cholesterol. It causes the arteries to become less flexible.

The key to reducing cholesterol is leaving these two habits unhealthy little by little.

Practice physical exercise regularly

Living a life in a much more active is a great ally when it comes to not only enjoy good health, but to lower our high cholesterol levels.

Particularly noteworthy are those known as aerobic exercises, which have the benefit of reducing total cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol values.

And what are these exercises? Very simple: they are those that require oxygen especially for its realization, especially for the intensity of its practice.

Some simple options are: walking, jogging or running, swimming, cycling and dancing.

It is advisable to practice them every day, preferably between 40 to 60 minutes.

Opt for some useful infusions to lower cholesterol

It has been shown that certain plants and herbs with medicinal and therapeutic qualities are especially useful when lowering high cholesterol levels.

If you like infusions, and usually prepare them at home, we encourage you to elaborate some of the following:

Infusion of dandelion: the dandelion is an ideal plant when it comes to taking care of the health of the liver, helping in a very positive way to regulate its functions and to reduce excessive cholesterol. It is interesting to drink two to three cups a day of this infusion.
Basil infusion: Although traditionally used in cooking, basil can also provide interesting benefits against cholesterol in the form of infusion. In this case, it is advised to take it on an empty stomach.
Cinnamon infusion: made with several branches of cinnamon, this infusion helps prevent the formation of thrombi and prevents the onset of cardiovascular diseases, helping to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Do not forget some effective natural supplements

In addition to the infusions about which I have spoken in the previous section, you can also choose some natural supplements especially useful against cholesterol.

This is the case, for example, of the artichoke and milk thistle, which have effective active ingredients when it comes to purifying the liver and reducing cholesterol levels.

If you do not want to make them in the form of an infusion, you can now find them in herbalists in the form of capsules.

Images | Ahmed Rabea / gemteck1 / Just Add Light / Giuseppe Milo / Naama ym This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesCholesterol