Ayurvedic Tips for Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

Many people think that cholesterol is bad, however, cholesterol is essential to many bodily functions, and only bad when unbalanced. Cholesterol is a fatty acid produced in the liver, and it is used by the body for numerous actions, including building cell membranes, synthesizing vitamin D, hormones, and bile acids. Ayurveda has a slightly different view on cholesterol than Western medicine. Ayurveda views cholesterol as playing an important role in supporting and lubricating the bodys numerous circulatory channels, known as shrotas. The shrotas are the circulatory channels of the body; micro-shrotas carry nutrients to the cells and waste from the cells. Larger shrotas, such as the arteries and veins, carry blood to and from the heart. To be healthy and functional, the shrotas must be flexible and elastic, and cholesterol plays a role in constantly lubricating and supporting the shrotas. This is particularly the case for the delicate pranavahi shrotas that lead to the brain as well as the shrotas that carry hot fluids, i.e. blood. What Is Bad Cholesterol? From the perspective of Ayurveda, cholesterol isnt bad in and of itself, however, it can have harmful effect when ama is present in the body. Ama, are metabolic left-overs that accumulate like toxins in the fat tissue. Simple ama is the sticky, foul-smelling waste product of improper digestion, which can block the channels of the body, such as the arteries. A more reactive, dangerous type of ama, amavisha is created when ama is present for a very long time and is not cleansed from the system. When excessive, accumulated ama begins to spread throughout the body, it becomes mixed up with the dhatus (body tissues) and the malas (waste products). Once amavisha gets mixed in with the fat tissue, it damages the shrotas, and this in turn leads to problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol To lower cholesterol naturally, Ayurveda doesnt just focus on cholesterol lowering foods, but rather on dietary recommendati ons, which will balance the overall fat metabolism of the body. For this, Ayurveda recommends balancing Kapha dosha, one of the three bodily principles involved in fat metabolism. Unbalanced Kapha lies at the root of excess production of cholesterol in the body. To help pacify Kapha dosha and enhance fat metabolism, follow a Kapha-pacifying diet, which especially favors foods with bitter, astringent and pungent tastes. Astringent foods: This includes pulses or dried beans, such as lentils, split mung dhal, and garbanzo beans. Avoid larger beans, instead favor the smaller, split kind. Astringent tastes also includes many vegetables, such as the cruciferous family (broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) and fruits such as apples and pears. Bitter foods: All sorts of leafy greens, including spinach, chard, kale and mustard greens. When cooked and seasoned with spices, these greens help cleanse the bowel, which helps prevent bad cholesterol from accumulating in the body. The Kapha-pacifying diet also includes many healthy grains. Barley enhances fat metabolism. Oats provide needed fiber, as long as it is whole oats, not processed oats. Quinoa provides zinc, which enhances fat metabolism. Amaranth is also recommended.

Avoid sweet, sour and salty foods. This doesnt just mean sugar, but also sweet grains like wheat, rice, pasta, and breads, along with sweet milk products. Sour foods include not only lemons and other sour fruits, but yogurt, cheese, tomatoes and vinegar, which is found in salad dressings, ketchup, mustard and pickles. Cook your food and eat it warm as this also helps counteract the cool, earthy Kapha dosha. Avoid bad fats (saturated fats and transfats), and cook with small amounts of ghee or olive oil. For flavoring your food, try this Cholesterol-Balancinging Spice Mixture: Cholesterol Balancing Spice Mixture

3 parts ground turmeric 6 parts ground cumin 6 parts ground coriander 6 parts ground fennel 2 parts ground fenugreek 1 part dried powdered ginger 1 part ground black pepper

For a great herbal cholesterol-balancing product, we recommend Cholesterol Production Maharishi Ayurvedic Products International. Combine the spices and store in a sealed container. When preparing a meal, saut a teaspoon of spices briefly in a small amount of ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil. Combined with vegetables or grains, this spice mix will not just give your foods a satisfying flavor, it will also enhance your digestion and fat metabolism. To lower cholesterol naturally, we also recommend these herbal remedies from Maharishi Ayurveda: Cholesterol Protection Digestone (Triphala) for improved digestion and fat metabolism Ghee (clarified butter) to replace unhealthy cooking oils

Natural Remedies for Cholesterol How Effective Are They?

Ayurvedic Strategies to Lower LDL and Improve HDL
Dr Jayaprakash, the Ayurvedic healer and Managing Director of Dharma Ayurveda in Trivandrum, India, believes that people whose blood cholesterol is low become just as atherosclerotic as people whose cholesterol is high. Only when LDL is converted into a toxic form of oxidized LDL by oxygen free radicals in the blood, does it become truly dangerous. And it can occur in a person with low LDL too. Ayurveda remedies intervene at the very genesis of atherosclerosis, blocking the toxic transformation of LDL. Thus it is not only beneficial to the ones with high cholesterol, but everyone who is keen in preventing atherosclerosis and its grave hazards.

Following are the Ayurvedic measures to control and maintain optimum cholesterol levels: Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Start your day with fresh fruits and grains such as oats that are high in soluble fiber. Minimize consumption of animal products including dairy products. This is because animal foods are high in saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol. Consume fish viz salmon, sardine and tuna as well as oysters, clams and mussels. These help lower LDL and improve HDL. Restrict consumption of Omega-6 rich oils such as corn oil and safflower oil. Instead, use olive oil, sesame oil and rapeseed oil that have good fat. Eat a lot of anti-oxidant foods such as strawberries, apples, nuts, carrots, broccoli and spinach. Use turmeric and curry leaves when cooking dishes. They have cholesterol lowering properties. Ayurvedic remedies to fight cholesterol: 1. Boil water with 2 tsp coriander seed. Strain and drink this water twice daily. It helps reduce cholesterol, flushes out toxins, and improves digestion. 2. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is effective in lowering cholesterol. Buy it from any reputed Ayurvedic store and use it as per instructions on the container. 3. Grill 1 or 2 small cloves of garlic and take it daily with your main meal. 4. Take 1 to 2 capsules per day of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) extract available in a capsule form. Arjun is rich in coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) that helps lower LDL cholesterol and enhances HDL recovery.

Herbal Remedies for Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is also found in some of the foods that we eat. Our body does need cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. Since cholesterol is fatty, it does not mix with blood and is carried in small packages called lipoproteins. These basically contain fat or lipid inside and protein on the outside. There are two types of lipoproteins.: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol also known as bad cholesterol High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol also called good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol causes a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries while HDL cholesterol carries the cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver which removes it. Higher LDL levels increases chances of getting heart disease while higher HDL levels lower them. Plaque is the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries which can cause the arteries to narrow and harden called atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the coronary arteries that bring blood to the heart due can stop or slow down the flow of blood to the heart. The amount of oxygen-rich blood is decreased. This is called coronary artery disease (CAD). This can also cause chest pain known as Angina.

Causes of Cholesterol
Saturated fat in food raises LDL cholesterol levels. Trans fatty acids or trans fats from hydrogenated vegetable oil as well as foold from animal sources such as egg yolks, meat and cheese all contribute to raising LDL cholesterol levels. Being overweight also raises LDL levels and lowers HDL levels and increases the total cholesterol level. Lack of regular exercise can cause weight gain and consequently raise cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol can also be due to heredity. An inherited genetic condition (familial hypercholesterolemia) results in very high LDL cholesterol levels. It begins at birth, and may result in a heart attack at an early age. Age and gender also play a role in determining cholesterol levels. Younger men have lower levels of HDL than women while younger women have lower levels of LDL than men. As women and men get older, their LDL cholesterol levels rise. After 55, women have higher LDL cholesterol levels than men.

Measuring Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The National Cholesterol Education Program developed the following classifications for people over age 20 who do not have heart disease: Desirable blood cholesterol--Total blood cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL; LDL is lower than 130 mg/dL. Borderline high cholesterol--Total level is between 200 and 239 mg/dL or LDL is 130 to 159 mg/dL. High blood cholesterol--Total level is greater than 240 mg/dL or LDL is 160 mg/dL or higher. For patients with heart disease, LDL above 100 mg/dL is too high. In addition, an HDL level less than 35 mg/dL is considered low and increases the risk of heart disease. The main goal of cholesterol treatment is to lower LDL in people without heart disease. If the LDL level is in the "high" category and fewer than two other risk factors for heart disease are present, the goal is an LDL level lower than 160 mg/dL. If two or more risk factors are present, the goal is less than 130 mg/dL. If a patient already has heart disease, LDL levels should be 100 mg/dL or less. By reducing LDL, heart disease patients may prevent future heart attacks, prolong their lives, and slow down or even reverse cholesterol buildup in the arteries, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Cholesterol control
Cholesterol control is achieved by leading a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking, changing the diet to limit saturated fat and cholesterol, eating only what is required to maintain a healthy weight, losing weight and regular physical activity are all helpful in lowering LDL and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Sometimes lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower cholesterol levels in which case medications collectively

known as statins are prescribed. However statins have been shown to have many adverse effects as well - the primary one being memory dysfunction,severe neuromuscular degeneration and depletion of an important anti-oxidant CQ10 that causes muscle wasting and heart failure as a result. Research shows that women with low levels of coQ10 are at higher risk for breast cancer. Statins also have been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Herbal Alternative therapies

The world is increasingly recognizing herbal remedies as safe alternative therapies for a variety of health conditions and cholesterol control is one of them. Guggul or Shuddha Guggul and Garciniahave been proven to be very effective in cholesterol control with none of the side effects of statin drugs. It has been shown that Guggul can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27% and can lower triglycerides by 22-30%. The effects that Guggul has on the blood cholesterol levels is comparable to prescription medications but, being a natural plant extract, it is a far superior and much safer product. Guggul works on the liver by increasing the metabolism (or break down) of the bad cholesterol known as LDL Cholesterol. After taking the product for 4 to 12 weeks, total cholesterol levels can drop, triglyceride levels can drop and an increase in HDL (the good cholesterol) of approximately 16% can occur. Its benenfits as a weight-loss and fat burning agent have been well researched and documented. Garcinia inhibits the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids and lowers the formation of LDL and triglycerides. Garcinia not only inhibits conversion of excess calories to body fat but also suppresses appetite by promoting synthesis of glycogenis a very effective herbal medicine for controlling obesity and cholesterol. References: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Center for Medical Consumers article by Dr. Paul Rosch, MD and Dr. Gravelins

Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies for Cholesterol Treatment

By Dr. Anna Hardy - 2007-02-21 The buildup of cholesterol can be reduced by several Ayurvedic treatments. Cholesterol reduction means safety from the various cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading causes of deaths in the world today. *** Cholesterol buildup in the coronary arteries leads to the condition known as Hridaya roga in Ayurveda, which literally means heart disease. This is similar to atherosclerosis. When the cholesterol collects in the arteries leading to the heart, their lumen becomes narrow and the amount of blood entering the heart is insufficient. Due to this the heart needs to pump harder, causing several kinds of cardiovascular diseases, the worst of which is the fatal angina pectoris. Cholesterol is present in fatty acids. Some cholesterol is needed for the proper utilization of foods in the body, formation of the hormones and the bile, etc. This is known as the high-density cholesterol, or simply, the useful cholesterol. The rest of the cholesterol simply builds up in the arteries without any apparent function. This is the low-density cholesterol, or the bad cholesterol. The buildup of cholesterol can be reduced by several Ayurvedic treatments. Cholesterol reduction means safety from the various cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading causes of deaths in the world today. (1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Cholesterol Alfalfa (Medicago satina) Alfalfa is effective in treating problems of the arteries. It helps in clearing arteries congested with cholesterol. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Arjuna has been used since centuries in the treatment of heart related problems such as heart attacks. The bark of the arjuna when taken in powder form has beneficial properties. This can dissolve the cholesterol that accumulates in the coronary artery and reduce the possibility of heart attacks. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Coriander is a very good diuretic. It makes the kidneys perform their functions of excretion better. Therefore the kidneys flush out the excess unneeded cholesterols from the body. Garlic (Allium cepa) Garlic is very beneficial to people with cholesterol problems that affect the heart. Eating two to three cloves of garlic a day helps to reduce or even completely eliminate the harmful cholesterol in the blood. Garlic can disintegrate the blood cholesterol and hence free up the arteries. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) This is a traditional Indian herb which has become very popular in the Ayurvedic treatment of cholesterol-related heart problems. It contains guggulsterones which have been proven to reduce the levels of cholesterol on regular use. 25 mg of these guggulsterones are prescribed for intake thrice a day. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Holy basil has the capacity to dissolve the accumulated cholesterol from the arteries into the person's bloodstream. From here they are eliminated by the kidneys. (2) Dietary Treatments for Cholesterol The various dietary regimes which will help you to reduce the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries are as follows:-

Keep a careful watch on the amount of calories you are consuming. Say no to chocolates, ice creams, red meats and all such foods that can increase the calorie count. Sources of fats such as fried foods are to be avoided. Groundnut oil must be strictly prohibited. But fat sources such as cow's milk, cow's ghee and cow's butter are recommended. Buffalo dairy products are to be avoided. Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables are needed since they would provide roughage for the elimination of the waste materials. Soy and soy products are very beneficial for the proper utilization of cholesterol. Drink lots of water. Water will help to remove the toxic buildup in the arteries. Smoking and alcoholism must be avoided as they interfere with the proper utilization of cholesterol in the body. (3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Cholesterol Ayurvedic treatment for high level of cholesterol is to prescribe the various herbs that have properties to reduce the buildup. One popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine is arjuna. It is prescribed in several forms such as Arjunarishta and Arjuna Ghritam. Other popular medicines are Hridayarnava Rasa and Prabhakara Vati. If the cholesterol amount is very profuse, then Mrigamadasava is prescribed. Yoga is also very beneficial in proper circulation and elimination of the cholesterol buildup in the body. Some of the useful asanas are:- a) Ardhamatsyendrasana b) Shalabhasana c) Padmasana d) Vajrasana (4) Home Medications Drinking coriander in water everyday helps in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. This regime must be continued for about a month. Then the cholesterol levels must be checked again. Boil a glassful of milk with a piece of garlic in it. This will reduce the cholesterol and take care of cardiac pains. It has to be continued for a few days before the method begins to show its effects. Have cold hipbaths twice daily. These have been shown to have positive effects in the reduction of cholesterol when taken on a regular basis. A simple remedy is to have a single piece of garlic every morning. This takes time to show results, but the results are positive. Consume some almonds and walnuts on a daily basis.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is one of the essentials in the body. It is produced in the liver and yellowish fatty material which executes important body functions like transportation of fat, providing resistance mechanism, defending red blood cells and muscular membrane of the body. Extreme smoking and alcohol drinking, eating high fat food, obesity and heredity factors are main causes for high cholesterol. High cholesterol can be restricted at home using some easy home remedies. Some effective home remedies for high cholesterol treatment are: 1. Most excellent home remedy for high cholesterol treatment is to drink at least 4 to 5 liters of water daily. 2. Garlic is very beneficial in high cholesterol treatment. Add some garlic pieces in a glassful of milk and boil it. Allow it to cool and then drink it. Consume this for week to 10 days. It would reduce cholesterol level and also control the cardiac pains. Otherwise, a person who has high cholesterol problem can also have 2-3 garlic cloves daily. 3. Take 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds and soak it in a glass of water. Boil this solution and allow it to cool. After cooling strain the water and drink it three times daily. 4. Take around 1 liter of water in container and add some pieces of cinnamon sticks in it. Boil the water and after boiling add one tablespoon of honey to it. Have this drink when its warm. It is helpful in treatment of high cholesterol. 5. Take half glass of apple juice and mix it with half glass of apple cider vinegar. Drink this mixture daily once. 6. Eating raw onions or drinking onion juice is also helpful in reducing the high cholesterol. 7. Daily chewing fresh sweet neem leaves is also advantageous in reducing the high cholesterol levels. 8. Daily exercising is also essential to maintain the cholesterol levels under control. 9. Have green leafy salads with little bit of olive oil. It is helpful in reduction the high cholesterol levels and also for the accurate working of the heart and the body. 10. High cholesterol patient should have foods rich in fiber like, almonds, blackberries, raspberries strawberries, walnuts, green beans and broccoli. These are useful in reducing the cholesterol levels. 11. Another effective remedy for high cholesterol treatment would be to have diet rich in lecithin like egg yolk, whole grain cereals, vegetable oils, soybeans etc. 12. High cholesterol patients should have a small bowl of curd daily. Curd acts positively in reducing the cholesterol levels. 13. Have food prepared from sunflower seeds oil instead of saturated oil and butter. This is extremely beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels.

Natural Home Remedies for High Cholesterol

These common kitchen staples can play a role in lowering your cholesterol. Give these home remedies a try as part of the cholesterol plan you've discussed with your doctor.

Home Remedies from the Counter

Garlic. Studies show that garlic may not only reduce LDL but raise HDL and decrease the amount of fat in your blood. Add some fresh garlic regularly to your cooking to keep your heart healthy.

Home Remedies from the Cupboard

Almonds. Studies indicate that snacking on almonds regularly for as little as three weeks may decrease LDL by up to ten percent. Honey. Add 1 teaspoon honey to 1 cup hot water in the morning, and you may rid your system of excess fat and cholesterol, according to Ayurvedic medicine. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice or 10 drops cider vinegar to give that drink a more powerful cholesterol-fighting punch. Oats. In any pure form, oats are a traditional cholesterol buster. Eating only 1/2 cup oatmeal a day, along with a low fat diet, may reduce cholesterol levels by nine percent. Rice. The oil that comes from the bran of rice is known to lower cholesterol. And brown rice is particularly high in fiber, which is essential in a cholesterol-lowering diet. One cup provides 11 percent of the daily fiber requirement. Soybeans. These beauties may reduce LDL by as much as 20 percent when 25 to 50 grams of soy protein are eaten daily for as short a time as a month. Besides that obvious benefit, soy may fend off a rise in LDL in people with normal levels and also improve the ability of arteries to dilate. This means they expand better to allow the unimpeded passage of fats and other substances that otherwise might cause a blockage. Walnuts. A cholesterol-lowering diet that includes walnuts eaten at least four times a week may lower LDL by as much as 16 percent. And studies indicate that those who munch on these nuts regularly cut their risk of death by heart attack in half when compared to non-walnut munchers.

Home Remedies from the Drawer

Calculator. Add up those cholesterol milligrams daily to see how you're doing. Notebook. Chart your daily diet. Nutrition & food guide. Use it to gauge the cholesterol content of the foods you eat. Record the results.

Home Remedies from the Refrigerator

Alfalfa sprouts. These may improve or normalize cholesterol levels. Warning! Sprouts are not clean or washed when you buy them in the store, and they may be a source of E.coli bacteria. Wash thoroughly before you consume or use a veggie-cleaning product available in most grocery stores. Apples. Apples are high in pectin, which can lower cholesterol levels. Artichokes. This veggie can actually lower cholesterol levels. Early studies pointed to their beneficial cholesterol-busting properties, but recent studies have shown that artichokes may be even more effective than they were first thought to be. Beets. Full of carotenoids and flavonoids, beets help lower -- and may even prevent -- the formation of LDL, the bad cholesterol. Carrots. Full of pectin, they're as good as apples in lowering cholesterol levels. Olive oil. It protects your heart by lowering LDL, raising HDL, and preventing your blood from forming clots. Pears. These are high in soluble fiber, which helps regulate cholesterol levels. Rhubarb. Yep, this is a cholesterol-buster. Consume it after a meal that's heavy in fats. You can cook it in a double boiler, with a little honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, until done. Add cardamom or vanilla if you like. Yogurt. Eating 1 cup plain yogurt with active cultures a day may reduce LDL by four percent or more and total cholesterol by at least three percent. Some scientists believe that eating yogurt regularly may even reduce the overall risk of heart disease by as much as ten percent.

Home Remedies from the Spice Rack

Turmeric. This may lower blood cholesterol. Added to eggplant, you may reap twice the cholesterol-fighting benefit. Mix 3/4 teaspoon turmeric with 2 tablespoons cooked, mashed eggplant and 1 1/2 tablespoons boiling water. Spread it on whole wheat bread and eat after a meal heavy in fats.

It's important to watch your diet, exercise, talk to your doctor, and keep our heart-healthy home remedies in mind when you want to lower your high blood cholesterol.

To learn more about heart disease and home remedies to treat heart problems, visit these links: To see all of our home remedies and the conditions they treat, go to our main Home Remedies page. Learn about cures you can use at home to improve the health of your ticker in Home Remedies for Heart Disease. Read Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure to learn about steps you can take at home to ease hypertension. To learn more about the science behind heart attacks, read How Heart Disease Works.
David J. Hufford, Ph.D., is university professor and chair of the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He also is a professor in the departments of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Hufford serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore. This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

CHOLESTEROL NATURAL CURE

Ayurveda approach
According to Ayurveda, people with a kaphagenic diet tend to have high cholesterol. To lower cholesterol levels and prevent increase in cholesterol levels, Ayurveda recommends the following: Low Cholesterol friendly food Watch what you eat. Stick to the kapha-pacifying diet and avoid food high in fat like fatty foods. Do not take cheese, yogurt or high-fat milk. Reduce consumption of sweets, cold foods like ice cream and desserts, and drinks. Do include onion and garlic in your cooking and food. Also take foods that are natural cholesterol busters. These are: blue corn oatmeal quinoa millet apples grapefruit almonds

Herbs are effective against cholesterol. Include them in your diet or drinks to help bring balance to cholesterol levels. Cinnamon and trikatu tea Drink this tea twice a day to lower cholesterol. Mix teaspoon of trikatu herbal mixture with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and steep for 10 minutes in a cupful of water. Add honey to taste. You can also just use teaspoon trikatu with 1 teaspoon honey and drink this 2 to 3 times a dat. It is great for burning ama and the extra kapha, helping to maintain cholesterol. Garlic Mix teaspoon grated ginger root, 1 clove of finely chopped fresh garlic to teaspoon of lime. Eat this before each meal. Herbs of three Control your cholesterol with this effective herbal mixture; 3 parts kutki 3 parts chitrak part shilajit Use teaspoon 2 times a day with some honey and water. Chitrakadhi vati This herb has an amazingly effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Take a 200 mg. chitrak-adhivati tablet twice a day after lunch and dinner. Triphala guggula Take a 200 mg. tablet of triphala guggula 3 times a day. Hot Honey Drink A hot cup of water with a teaspoon of honey, taken early in the morning can help remove fat from your system and lower cholesterol. You can add 10 drops of cider vinegar or a teaspoon of lime juice for a more effective drink. Exercise Exercise, together with a good diet can control cholesterol levels. Try taking walks every day during the weekdays for at least half an hour. Or do something that you enjoy like dancing, swimming and even aerobic exercises for at least three times a week.

 Breathing Exercise Breath of Fire, also known as bhastrika, is helpful in reducing cholesterol. Yoga for Reducing Cholesterol The following yoga postures are good for maintaining a good cholesterol level: the Sun Salutation, Shoulder Stand, Peacock, Cobra, Spinal Twist, Locust and Lotus.

TRIKATU
[ Ayurvedic three pungents formula ]
TRIKATU: A complimentary formula to Triphala, Trikatu means 'three peppers' or 'three pungents'. It is a combination of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Indian Long Pepper (Piper longum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale). While Triphala lends a hand to the lower GI tract, Trikatu has its primary effects in the upper GI tract, where it enhances the 'digestive fire' necessary for the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Trikatu is a combination of natural herbs and is safe and effective. Trikatu churna is also known as trikatu choornam, Trikatu choorna, katutraya churna, katutraya choorna etc. Ayurvedic practitioners consider Trikatu a 'warming formula', used to awaken Agni (digestion) and destroy Ama (accumulated waste & toxins). According to Ayurvedic theory, poor quality food and inconsistent eating habits can create a dullness to the upper GI, which, if uncorrected, will result in further deviations from overall health. Specifically, it can lead to unhealthy food cravings. This creates a feedback loop, since the poor food choices driven by the cravings reinforce the digestive dysfunction.

Ations of Trikatu churna:

Trikatu was shown to reduce LDL and triglycerides levels in rabbits fed high-fat diets. It also increased cardioprotective HDL levels. Trikatu works on your skin and it very helpfully to prevent any allergies. It helpings us look your skin fresh and your face glow. Trikatu is an especially herbal combination of herbs to prevent obesity. Trikatu has anti-inflammatory and anti-helminthes properties. It helps in removing the worms out of the body and thus improving the digestive functions. It helps to maintain the healthy digestive system and removes the toxins from the body. Trikatu helps in rejuvenating your body cells and also helps in preventing any infection of inflammation of the digestive organs. Trikatu has natural anti-histamine and thus it helps to prevent any infection and inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It prevents your body from any allergic reaction. It is safe to use the product for a long period of time as it does not produce any side effect. Regular intake of this product helps in increasing your appetite. Trikatu inhibits the formation of gas and thus it helps in proper digestion of the food. Trikatu enhances the metabolic activity and rapid absorption of the nutrients. Trikuta is also a very good product to treat the bad odor from mouth. It helps to improve the taste of the mouth. Chew your food properly in the mouth for effective metabolism and absorption of the food nutrients. Trikuta also helps to maintain the normal flow of blood in your body cells.

Trikatu - as Natural Appetite Suppressant and Weight loss Supplement:

Trikatu is a dietary supplement. It is most popular as a natural appetizer. Another important use of this herb is to reduce excessive body weight and check food cravings. As a digestive tonic, Trikatu herbal supplement, enhances the assimilation process. This in turn helps in maximizing metabolic process and reducing body weight. Trikatu herbal mixture is also capable of maintaining blood -glucose and reduces food cravings.

Trikatu - An answer to modern dietary style

The underlying assumption behind using Trikatu is that modern diets usually involve processed foods and not enough fruits and vegetables. As a result, an amount of fiber intake may be less than what it should be, and our digestive power cannot be functioning as it should. However, Trikatu is not a source of fiber but it aids great strength to the digestion by stimulating various digestive enzymes across the gastrointestinal track Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Trikatu : 1.It is strong stimulant and is used for both respiratory and digestive system. It treats congestion, cold and revives the organic functions that are weak. 2.It rejuvenates the lungs and especially, for people with kapha constitutions. 3.It has aphrodisiac properties that strengthens the functioning of the reproductive organs. It also energizes the reproductive organs and it also increases the sperm count in men. 4.It is digestive and anti-mucus powder that improves respiratory and gastric function. 5.It also helps in treating digestion when it is weak, high cholesterol, hypothyroid, obesity, edema and slow metabolism. 6.It is a safe stimulant and expectorant. 7.It also has carminative, anti-allergenic, anti-flatulant and natural antihistamine properties. 8.It is effective in curing dyspepsia and helps in proper circulation, provides heat to warm digestion and prevents the formation of gastric mucosa. 9.It also promotes the production of digestive juices and increases the appetite in a person. It stimulates secretion of hydrochloric acid. It also stops the gaseous distension. 10.It also helps in the rapid absorption of the nutrients in to the digestive tract. 11.It is the best drug for anti-obesity and helps to rid your body off the excessive fats and cholesterol. 12.It also reduces inflammations and pain. 13.It enhances the metabolic rate and the thermogenic effect.These properties helps in supporting the respiratory health. 14.It also increases the bioavailability of the foods, nutrients and medicines and is an essential part in many of the multi-herbal preparations. 15.It is also used to treat abdominal and gastric disorders and other disorders like pyrexia, insomnia and dysentery.

TRIKATU doses: Trikatu is preferably taken one hour before each meal in a dose of 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. It can also be taken along with or after a meal. As Trikatu has a pungent taste, it is better taken mixed with honey in a thick paste that can be licked. Contraindications for use of Trikatu: 1.Those taking MAOIs, SSRIs, antidepressants, NSAIDS, corticosteroids or certain other medications should not take this product. 2. Those who have diabetes, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments or certain other medical conditions should not take Trikatu. 3. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take this product.

Research articles on Trikatu : Trikatu churna action against intestinal worms (anthelminthic activity) read here Anti bacterial effect of Trikatu churna read here Liver protective activity of Trikatu churna read here