Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. When there is too much of it, it can increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol levels can form fatty deposits in the walls of your arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can restrict the free flow of blood and put an individual at higher risk of heart disease or stroke.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol from your arteries. It does this by picking up extra cholesterol in your body and transporting it to your liver, where it is removed. Certain medications can cause your HDL levels to drop.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and form plaque. Plaque is a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. Over time, plaque can harden or rupture (break off). This can cause a “blockage” that prevents blood from flowing through the arteries.
In general, high cholesterol is defined as having a total cholesterol level of 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. If your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level is 130 mg/dL or higher, it is also considered high.
To lower your cholesterol naturally, you should prioritize foods and drinks rich in antioxidants and soluble fiber, such as pineapple and orange smoothies or turmeric tea. These natural drinks help reduce the accumulation of fat in the body, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
7 types of drinks that naturally lower cholesterol
You can apply the following processing methods:
1. Pineapple and orange smoothie
Pineapple and orange pulp smoothie is very good for lowering cholesterol. Both contain soluble fiber that helps reduce blood fat levels. This can reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Ingredients: 2 cups of water, 2 slices of pineapple, 1 orange with pulp, Juice from 1 lemon.
How to make: Put all the ingredients in a blender, strain the water and drink twice a day, in the morning and evening.
2. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea is a great home remedy for lowering cholesterol. This medicinal plant has antioxidant properties that help remove fats and toxins from the blood, leading to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 cup of water
How to make: Boil water, add turmeric. Cover, let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 2 to 4 cups of tea a day.
3. Oatmeal and cinnamon water
Oatmeal contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that helps reduce fat absorption in the intestines. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and the two together can help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oats, 500 ml water, 1 cinnamon stick
How to make: Mix oats with water and cinnamon, soak overnight. The next day, strain and drink. Drink daily, preferably during fasting.
You can also make cinnamon tea with just cinnamon stick, or add cinnamon powder to your dessert or oatmeal in the morning.
4. Beetroot and Apple Smoothie
Beetroot and apple are both rich in fiber and when combined together can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Lemon helps cleanse the body because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Ingredients: 50 g beetroot, 2 apples, Juice from 1 lemon, 1 small piece of ginger
How to make: Cut the beetroot and apple into small cubes. Put all the ingredients in a blender. Drink 1 cup of this smoothie every day.
5. Garlic Water
Garlic contains antioxidant properties that help naturally lower triglycerides and cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Ingredients: 1 clove of garlic, 100 ml of water
How to make: Crush the garlic and add it to the water. Soak overnight, then drink the water on an empty stomach.
6. Fennel Tea
Fennel tea can help lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Fennel tea is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes, which have antioxidant properties that may reduce heart disease.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds and leaves, 1 cup of boiling water.
How to make: Add fennel leaves and seeds to boiling water and steep for about 15 minutes. Then strain and drink while still warm.
7. Eggplant Water
Eggplant water can help lower cholesterol levels because it contains nasunin and anthocyanin. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent heart problems.
Ingredients: 1 small eggplant, with skin; Juice of 1 lemon and 1 liter of water.
How to make: Slice the eggplant and place in a pitcher of water with lemon juice. Refrigerate overnight and drink the water the next day.
