High cholesterol silently wreaks havoc on your health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In addition to medication and a healthy lifestyle, many people turn to herbal teas to help lower cholesterol. So, Which Herbal Teas to Drink to Lower Cholesterol? Let’s explore some common options and safe usage guidelines in the following article.
Outstanding Benefits of Herbal Teas in Lowering Cholesterol
- Antioxidant properties: Herbal teas often contain flavonoids, polyphenols, etc., which protect cells and prevent damage caused by free radicals – factors that promote the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Plant leaves often contain flavonoids, polyphenols,… which help protect cells and prevent damage caused by free radicals
- Improved fat metabolism: Active ingredients in herbs can affect lipid metabolism, reduce cholesterol synthesis, and increase the elimination of bad cholesterol (LDL) through the digestive tract.
- Body detoxification: Herbal teas have a mild diuretic effect, promoting the elimination of toxins and supporting liver function, thereby contributing to cholesterol control.
- Weight loss support: Combined with a healthy diet, herbal teas promote safe weight loss, reducing the burden on the cardiovascular system.
Herbal Teas That Help Lower Cholesterol
- Lotus leaf – The familiar “panacea” for lowering cholesterol: In traditional medicine, lotus leaves are considered bitter, cooling, blood-activating, and cholesterol-lowering. Modern studies confirm their effects in reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and improving fatty liver conditions due to active ingredients like alkaloids and flavonoids.
What leaf juice to drink to reduce blood fat – According to Oriental medicine, lotus leaves are bitter, clear heat, promote blood circulation, and reduce fat
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- How to use: Brew fresh or dried lotus leaves (about 10-15g) and drink throughout the day.
- Phyllanthus urinaria (Chanca Piedra) – A worthy consideration: Many studies have shown that Phyllanthus urinaria has lipid-lowering and liver-protective effects.
- How to use: Decoct 20-30g of dried Phyllanthus urinaria and drink daily or use it in extract form according to instructions.
- Ilex kudingcha (Kuding tea) leaves and buds – An easily accessible beverage: The beta-sitosterol in Ilex kudingcha participates in inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Regularly drinking Kuding tea can have a mild cholesterol-lowering effect.
- How to use: Brew tea from fresh leaves, dried buds, or use convenient tea bags.
- Other herbs: Dandelion, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and soursop leaves have also been reported to have cholesterol-lowering potential.
Sample 7-Day Herbal Tea Menu for Lowering Cholesterol
- Day 1: Lotus leaf tea
- Day 2: Phyllanthus urinaria tea
- Day 3: Ilex kudingcha tea
- Day 4: Dandelion tea
- Day 5: Lotus leaf tea
- Day 6: Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea
- Day 7: Soursop leaf tea
Note: Alternate between different types of herbal teas, drink 30 minutes before meals or between meals to increase effectiveness.
Important Advice from Health Experts
- Do not discontinue cholesterol medication on your own: Herbal teas are supportive and should be used in conjunction with medication and your doctor’s advice.
- Build a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet, limiting bad fats, and regular exercise are important foundations.
- Caution if: Pregnant women, individuals taking other medications, and those with underlying medical conditions should consult their doctor before use.
- Regularly check cholesterol levels: Monitor progress and adjust treatment methods accordingly.
Monitor progress and adjust treatment accordingly
Some Frequently Asked Questions about “Which Herbal Teas to Drink to Lower Cholesterol“
How long does it take to see results from drinking herbal teas to lower cholesterol?
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- Drinking herbal teas provides supportive effects, not a quick fix. Depending on individual constitution, the type of herb used, and combined with diet and lifestyle, the time to see improvement can range from a few weeks to a few months. It’s important to use them regularly, consistently, and monitor cholesterol levels periodically.
Do herbal teas for lowering cholesterol have side effects?
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- Herbal teas are generally safe if used in the correct dosage.
- Some notes:
- Prolonged use of Phyllanthus urinaria may cause fatigue.
- Lotus leaves are cooling, excessive useby individuals with a cold constitution may cause diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
- Special groups (those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, etc.) should strictly adhere to their doctor’s advice.
Can different herbal teas for lowering cholesterol be combined?
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- You can alternate between different herbal teas to diversify and enhance their effects.
- For example: Day 1 drink lotus leaf tea, day 2 drink Phyllanthus urinaria tea, etc.
- Do not mix multiple herbs at once without consulting a professional.
Is drinking a lot of herbal tea to lower cholesterol good?
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- Drinking too much herbal tea can lead to electrolyte imbalance, excessive nutrient excretion, etc.
- Adhere to the recommended dosage and drink plain water in between.
- Listen to your body, if you experience any unusual signs, stop using and seek medical attention.
Besides drinking herbal teas to lower cholesterol, what else should I pay attention to?
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- Build a healthy diet: Limit bad fats, increase vegetables, fiber, whole grains, fatty fish, etc.
- Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes a day with moderate-intensity exercises.
- Control weight, lose weight if necessary.
- Get enough sleep, limit stress.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Have regular check-ups and cholesterol tests.
Scientific Evidence on “Which Herbal Teas to Drink to Lower Cholesterol”
Here is some scientific evidence on “which herbal teas to drink to lower cholesterol”:
- Study: Published in the Chinese Journal of Pharmacology in 2012, the study evaluated the effectiveness of lotus leaves in reducing blood cholesterol in 45 patients with high cholesterol. The results showed that the group using lotus leaves had a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) compared to the control group. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399567/
- Study: According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2010, Phyllanthus urinaria extract reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) in mice with diet-induced hyperlipidemia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37073749/
- Ilex kudingcha: Research shows that the beta-sitosterol in Ilex kudingcha inhibits cholesterol absorption, supporting cholesterol reduction.
- Dandelion: Contains many vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids, helping to detoxify the body and support cholesterol reduction.
- Gynostemma pentaphyllum: Active ingredients in Gynostemma pentaphyllum have the ability to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
Drinking herbal tea is a simple and safe solution to help lower cholesterol and protect cardiovascular health. Hopefully, this article has provided you with comprehensive information on “which herbal teas to drink to lower cholesterol.” Please consult your doctor and combine it with a healthy lifestyle for optimal results!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20123451/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22017074/
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
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