3 easy home remedies to reduce cholesterol levels

I am a 55-year-old man and have high cholesterol. I have had a bypass surgery in 20011, and now regularly exercise five times a week. I am 174 cm tall and weight 74 kg. Although I am extremely cautious about my diet and exercise, my cholesterol levels don’t seem to be reducing. Can you tell me about some home remedies to lower my cholesterol?

Often even after trying everything possible, one’s cholesterol levels don’t seem to budge. While medication is one way, eating the right kinds of food also go a long way in bringing down the numbers. Here are three common foods that can actually help reduce your cholesterol levels.

Methi seeds: 

Fenugreek or methi seeds are a rich source of constituents known as steroidal saponins that help to reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol coming in through the fat-rich foods we eat. To make the most of this food place methi seeds in a skillet and dry roast using medium heat for about two minutes, with constant stirring. Allow the seeds to cool and then powder; add one teaspoon of this powder to hot or cold water and drink this once or twice in a day. You could also sprinkle a little of this powder at the end of cooking vegetables in gravy if you do not mind the slight bitter taste it gives. Still wondering if you should try this wonder food? Here is some more proof:

Researchers also speculate that the saponins contained in methi may have a role to play in reducing the body’s production of cholesterol. This, along with the fibre present in the fenugreek seed coat makes methi a valuable weapon in the fight against high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Flaxseed: Here is how you can use it: Grind flaxseeds and add the powder into your food towards the end of the cooking process. Although it will not be damaged by heat, the fiber present in the flaxseeds can absorb liquid and cause a thickening of the gravy if added early in the cooking process. Sprinkle a little flaxseed powder over breakfast cereals, cooked vegetables, or mix in with your chutney powder.

Also called linseed, flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that have a protective action on heart health. Like fenugreek, these seeds also contain a lot of fiber and this binds with cholesterol, preventing its absorption. The regular use of flaxseed is said to prevent the arteries from hardening due to the deposition of cholesterol; it also helps reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Flaxseeds also have the effect of increasing the concentrations of apolipoprotein A1 which goes to form HDL cholesterol.

Onion:

 Onions contain a constituent called quercetin that is known to be a strong antioxidant; this means it can prevent the damaging effects of free radicals on human tissues. Researchers have linked quercetin of onions with increased levels of HDL cholesterol as well as low levels of LDL cholesterol. To help bring down your cholesterol levels, consume onion raw in the form of salads. Make a juice out of it by steaming and squeezing. If you can manage the raw smell of onion, just cut the onions without steaming and extract the juice and drink, or mix in a few other vegetables while juicing.