Cholesterol is a substance produced by our livers in order to maintain the integrity of cell membranes and to facilitate the communication between cells. Therefore, a certain amount of cholesterol is absolutely necessary for our body to function properly. However, when the level of cholesterol in our blood becomes high, it can accumulate in the arteries and can cause various cardiovascular diseases.

There are two types of cholesterol, HDL and LDL. HDL is often referred to as the ‘good cholesterol’ as it is believed to remove cholesterol deposits from the arteries. LDL is the ‘bad cholesterol’, the quantity of which in your blood should be controlled rigorously.

Most people, especially men, suffer from high blood cholesterol after they reach 35. Obesity, consuming too much of saturated fat, heredity, an under-active thyroid can also trigger high blood cholesterol, a condition known as hypercholesterolemia. There are many medicines available to lower your cholesterol level. However, you can always try some herbal remedies to treat hypercholesterolemia so that there are no harmful side effects.

A change in diet is absolutely necessary to tackle cholesterol problem. Egg yolks, butter, cheese, red meat and all food items with trans fat should be avoided. Try to have a lot of high fiber foods like oatmeal, salads and fresh fruits.

As obesity can trigger hypercholesterolemia, you should also be careful to maintain a healthy weight. You can try free-hand exercises or brisk walking to keep your weight under control.

Commiphora wightii or guggul is an ancient Indian remedy to various heart ailments. It is believed to lower the level of cholesterol in your blood. Guggul also helps you combal weight problem.

You can also try apple cider vinegar to reduce cholesterol. You can use this in stead of regular white vinegar in cooking or have a green salad with apple cider vinegar dressing everyday.

Garlic is perhaps one of the most widely known and popular herbal remedies to fight hypercholesterolemia. If you don’t like the smell of garlic, you can have garlic supplements which are easy to carry and are odourless. Also, having raw garlic can cause acidity, whereas with garlic supplements you do not have to worry about that.