In This Article:
- How to Understand if Cholesterol Levels Are High
- What to Drink for High Cholesterol: 9 drinks
- Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol from iHerb
High cholesterol levels pose a serious threat to human health, as they can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and more severe consequences. Cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels, leading to their narrowing and impaired blood flow over time. However, many people may not even realize their cholesterol levels are elevated, as this condition often has no obvious symptoms. In this article, along with Herbzone, we’ll explore what to drink for high cholesterol and how to recognize that cholesterol levels in the blood are high. The article also features a TOP 5 list of supplements from iHerb.
How to Understand if Cholesterol Levels Are High
High cholesterol in the blood usually doesn’t have obvious symptoms, and many people may not realize there’s a problem until they face serious consequences like cardiovascular diseases or stroke. However, there are a few signs to watch for, as well as risk factors that may indicate it’s time to check cholesterol levels.
Main Ways to Detect High Cholesterol Levels:
1. Laboratory Tests (Lipid Panel)
The most reliable way to determine cholesterol levels is through a blood test. A lipid panel measures the following indicators:
- Total cholesterol: the total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
- LDL (bad cholesterol): low-density lipoproteins that contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- HDL (good cholesterol): high-density lipoproteins that help remove excess cholesterol from the body.
- Triglycerides: fats in the blood, with elevated levels also signaling a risk for cardiovascular diseases.
It is recommended to do a blood test regularly, especially if you’re at risk for high cholesterol.
2. Risk Factors
Who is at risk? Here are some factors that increase the likelihood of high cholesterol:
- Unhealthy diet: consuming large amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-rich foods (fast food, fried foods, sausages, bacon, margarine-based baked goods).
- Lack of physical activity: it’s beneficial to give your body at least minimal physical exercise for overall health.
- Obesity or overweight: being overweight raises levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while lowering “good” cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart diseases.
- Smoking: promotes the formation of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Genetics: if family members have high cholesterol, your risk increases.
- Age: cholesterol levels tend to rise after the age of 45.
3. Possible Physical Symptoms
High cholesterol levels rarely show obvious symptoms, but in some cases, it may manifest in the following ways:
- Xanthomas: yellowish nodules on the skin, especially around the eyes or joints, which are cholesterol deposits.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath: may indicate narrowed arteries due to cholesterol buildup (atherosclerosis).
- Vascular issues: diseases related to poor blood circulation, like peripheral artery disease, can result from high cholesterol.
What to Drink for High Cholesterol: 9 drinks
High cholesterol levels bring serious consequences, so it’s better to keep them within normal limits to avoid health problems. Besides diet changes and physical activity, certain drinks can help lower cholesterol levels. Let’s explore what to drink to reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL).
1. Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Studies show that they help lower LDL, which can accumulate on artery walls. It’s recommended to drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily for noticeable effects.
2. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea has antioxidant properties and helps reduce cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of this tea can lower total cholesterol and triglycerides.
3. Oats and Barley Drink
Oats and barley drinks contain soluble fiber, known as beta-glucan, which binds to cholesterol in the intestines and helps remove it from the body. Drinking oat beverages or adding oats to your morning diet can significantly lower LDL levels.
4. Soy Milk
Soy products are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, which help lower cholesterol levels. Soy milk can be used as a substitute for regular cow’s milk, especially for those with high cholesterol.
5. Avocado Smoothie
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats that help increase HDL levels and lower LDL. You can make an avocado smoothie by adding it to a fruit or vegetable drink.
6. Red Grape Juice
Red grapes contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that can raise HDL levels and lower LDL. Drinking small amounts of natural grape juice can positively affect cholesterol levels.
7. Lemon Water
Lemon juice contains vitamin C and antioxidants that help lower cholesterol levels. Drinking lemon water on an empty stomach improves digestion and maintains lipid balance in the blood.
8. Flaxseed Infusion
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, which help lower cholesterol levels. Flaxseed infusion improves lipid profiles and supports cardiovascular health.
9. Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps lower cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of ginger tea can effectively improve lipid profiles.
Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol from iHerb
iHerb offers many supplements for lowering cholesterol. These include garlic extract, which supports cardiovascular health; Coenzyme Q10, which improves heart function and helps lower cholesterol; and bergamot extract, which supports healthy lipid levels in the blood serum.
Conclusion
What to drink for high cholesterol?
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, physical activity, and weight control. Drinks containing antioxidants, soluble fiber, and healthy fats, along with special supplements from iHerb, can be an effective part of reducing cholesterol levels.
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