Lower Cholesterol Naturally with Herbs

You can try to eat a healthy diet, but sometimes that's not enough to keep your cholesterol levels low. Some of us are just predisposed in our genes to have high cholesterol! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do beyond good diet and exercise to help keep your cholesterol down. One natural method of reducing cholesterol is through integrating natural, organic herbs into your lifestyle.

To begin with, look at your life as a whole. How are you living, not just in your diet and exercise, but in your entire lifestyle? Stress in work and family life can potentially cause numerous health maladies, including an elevated level of cholesterol. Your high cholesterol could simply be an indicator of an unhealthy lifestyle. You may find that meditation, relaxation and more "me" time can help boost your overall health, including affecting your cholesterol levels.

Another area of your lifestyle that may be unwittingly influencing your cholesterol in a negative manner is your diet. Meats and dairy are a primary source of unhealthy cholesterol. Cut back on meat as much as possible, and avoid dairy completely. If you're worried about getting calcium, try tofu and calcium supplements for healthier alternatives that deliver the same nutritional benefits without the fat and cholesterol of diary products.

Before we talk about herbs that lower cholesterol naturally, let me just repeat one more point: Natural herbal supplements to lower cholesterol shouldn't be your solution, but simply part of an overall lifestyle change to promote health. Herbal supplements to reduce cholesterol will work best when incorporated in a holistic lifestyle that aims to balance all parts of your well being. When used with other lifestyle changes, herbal supplements can be a fantastic way to lower cholesterol naturally without chemicals and statins.

Herbs that can help lower your cholesterol are many, but one ideal herb to lower cholesterol naturally is the hawthorn berry. Hawthorn berries are terrific herbal supplements that can lower your cholesterol. Andrew Weil, M.D., a health practitioner knowledgeable of natural supplements, says that hawthorn berries "contain phytonutrients called anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that strengthen the walls of blood vessels" (source). He also says that "extracts of hawthorn berries...contain compounds that have a tonic effect on the heart and vascular system" (source). These are the perfect herbal supplements to lower cholesterol naturally!

To use this herbal supplement, steep a tablespoon of hawthorn berries in very hot water. Sip as needed, and watch your cholesterol levels drop. Enjoy!