Produced naturally by the liver but also ingested with food, cholesterol is eliminated by the bile. If you limit your intake of foods high in cholesterol and don’t have metabolism issues, it’s okay. On the other hand, if you have a diet too rich in saturated fat (dairy products, meat, eggs) or have a disease affecting the kidneys, liver or thyroid, or suffer from obesity, the natural elimination of cholesterol can be altered.

An essential constituent of the cell wall, cholesterol is part of the composition of many hormones and allows the synthesis of vitamin D. As such, our body cannot do without it, and the total elimination of cholesterol would have had a disastrous effect on our organism. On the other hand, the excess of cholesterol is not good either insofar as this substance clogs our arteries, preventing the good circulation of the blood, which can obviously have fatal consequences. Although an abnormal level of cholesterol is a medical problem, in addition to drug therapy and in consultation with your doctor, you can try some natural remedies.

1. Ọkpụkpụ

In 2010, an American study published in Journal of Nutrition has shown that the daily consumption of dried and ground garlic induces a reduction of 7% in the level of cholesterol in men suffering from hypercholesterolemia. The sulfur compounds used in the composition of garlic indeed reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the plasma.

2. Mmanya

According to an Israeli study conducted in 2002, the consumption of ground licorice reduces the amount of cholesterol in the plasma by 5%. The powder of this root is also used against coughs, for detoxification purposes following excessive consumption of acids, and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, be careful not to eat too much or too often, as licorice increases blood pressure and dilutes the blood.

3. Jinja

The effect of ginger is less direct, but studies in mice have found that consumption of this root delayed the progression of aortic atherosclerosis, a disease of which high cholesterol is one of the causes.

4. The Turmeric

The ability of Turmeric to lower cholesterol levels in humans has not been studied, but studies in mammals (rats, guinea pigs, chickens) suggest so. This phenomenon could be due to the propensity of turmeric to convert cholesterol into bile acids.

But rest assured: in most cases, cholesterol is nothing to worry about. If in doubt, have a blood test performed by a laboratory. And if an abnormality is noted, consult a doctor above all and avoid self-medication.

Paul Garcia

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