Home Remedies for Low-Density Lipoprotein: The Bad Cholesterol

Not all cholesterol is bad for us. As a matter of fact, we need this fatty substance in our bodies for us to live a healthy life—it is required to build and maintain membranes. If we need cholesterol, then why do we always hear negative stuff about it? It is not the cholesterol exactly that we need to be concerned about: It is the type of lipoproteins that transport the cholesterol through our bodies.

There are two main types of lipoproteins.

High-Density Lipoprotein

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as good cholesterol. It moves the cholesterol away from the heart and arteries and sent to the liver. In the liver, cholesterol is excreted and eliminated through the large and small intestines.

The Negative Effects of Bad Cholesterol (Low-density Lipoprotein)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), on the other hand, allows the cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Because of plaque buildup, the heart works harder to make the blood flow. This, in turn, can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, a heart attack or stroke. This is why LDL is known as bad cholesterol.

The key to the diet is to eat foods that are high in HDL and low in LDL. Even if your arteries are clogged with the bad cholesterol, the good cholesterol helps remove some of the bad from the arteries. Therefore, consuming foods that increase the amounts of good cholesterol and reduce the amount of bad is the way to go.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are excellent for lowering your bad cholesterol. Citrus contains pectin, which is a fiber that can lower your LDL. Fruits to include in your diet are:

• Lemons
• Limes
• Kumquats
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Star Fruit

Look for food that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids. While polyunsaturated fats, such as corn and sunflower oil are said to lower the bad cholesterol, it will also lower the good as well. Monounsaturated fats, such as olive and grape seed oil, will increase your amount of good cholesterol.

Include oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna in your diet. The fish oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids which play a key role in reducing LDL.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are considered helpful for providing relief for many digestive issues and lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. They also play a role in raising the amount of good cholesterol in your body!

How should you consume this magical seed? Soak a teaspoon of seeds in an eight-ounce glass of water overnight. In the morning drink the water. You can also chew the seeds.

The Mediterranean Diet

Have you ever noticed that in the Mediterranean countries that there is not a high rate of heart disease? It is said that with the high use of olive oils in these countries, the people have healthy cholesterol levels. Why not give it a try?

Foods That Are High in Fiber

A high fiber diet will help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. This includes making sure you are eating fruits and vegetables each day. The best ones to consume are:

• Apples
• Mangos
• Apricots
• Brussel Sprouts
• Turnips
• Peas
• Onions
• Ginger

If you do not already have a routine, including a daily exercise workout into your schedule. Exercise is an excellent way to lower LDL.

This does not mean exercising once in a while. You must exercise at least four days a week or for 30 minutes a day every day of the week. While you might not have the time or convenience to join a gym, you can exercise in your home. Doing things like walking instead of driving a car, walking up the stairs instead of using the elevator and doing basic exercises—such as crunches and squats—can help lower your LDL.

When you include more activity in your life, it's likely you will notice your levels of LDL have decreased the next time you take a blood test.

By switching your diet, including foods that are higher in monounsaturated fatty acids, and exercising, you are helping your body increase the levels of high-density lipoproteins and decreasing the levels of low-density lipoproteins. While this will take time, make sure you see your doctor so they can monitor your cholesterol through blood tests.

Many believe a glass of red wine does wonders for lowering LDL. A basic rule of thumb is to limit it to one glass a day if you are female and two glasses if you are male. While the occasional 3-ounce glass with your dinner isn't harmful per se, there is no scientific evidence that supports red wine lowers LDL.