Natural Agents for Managing Cholesterol and Heart Health

Managing lipid levels in the blood is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health, as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels can lead to heart disease and other related conditions. Several natural agents have been identified for their antihyperlipidemic properties, and integrating them into a balanced diet can contribute significantly to cholesterol control.

Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber is abundant in foods like oats, beans, lentils, and various fruits. Soluble fiber helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream by binding to cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestines, which are then excreted from the body. This not only lowers total cholesterol levels but also helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as "bad" cholesterol.

Psyllium: Derived from the husks of Plantago ovata seeds, psyllium is a highly effective source of soluble fiber. When taken regularly, it can lower cholesterol by forming a gel-like substance that traps cholesterol-rich bile acids, preventing their reabsorption. Research shows that psyllium can lower total cholesterol by up to 7% and LDL cholesterol by up to 9%.

Phytosterols: These compounds, found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains, closely resemble cholesterol in structure. Phytosterols work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, effectively reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Consuming 2 grams of phytosterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by 6-10%.

Soy Protein: Foods like tofu, soy milk, and edamame contain soy protein, which has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by 3-5% when consumed regularly. Soy’s cholesterol-lowering effects are partly due to its isoflavones, which improve lipid profiles.

Garlic: Garlic is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits, including its ability to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. Studies suggest that regular consumption of garlic supplements can lower total cholesterol by 10-12%.

Red Yeast Rice: This traditional Chinese remedy contains monacolin K, a compound structurally similar to statins, which are prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol. Red yeast rice can reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly, with some studies showing reductions of up to 20-30%.

Ginger: Ginger has shown promise as a lipid-lowering agent. Its bioactive compounds, such as gingerol, have been found to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to improved heart health.

Flaxseed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flaxseed can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed lignans and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have been associated with reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels.

These natural agents offer valuable cholesterol-lowering benefits and can be easily incorporated into a heart-healthy diet. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or starting any new supplement regimen.
Natural Agents for Managing Cholesterol and Heart Health

Low HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)

Cholesterol is found in all cells. It is needed for many body functions. Two types of cholesterol are HDL and LDL. HDL is the “good” cholesterol that removes LDL (bad) cholesterol from the bloodstream.

HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol and a protective lipoprotein fraction, because the high-density lipoproteins usually carry harmful cholesterol molecules away from the vessel walls and return them to the liver where they are metabolized.

HDL is the smallest and densest of the lipoproteins, containing the highest proportion of protein to cholesterol. Liver makes HDL cholesterol, which protects the body against heart disease. It protects human heart by removing the bad type of cholesterol from the blood.

Cholesterol build-up can start in children as young as 2 years of age. By making wise food and lifestyle choices now, children can lower the risk of many health problems when they are older. These health problems include:
• A stroke caused by blocked arteries that lead to the brain.
• A heart attack caused by blocked arteries around the heart.
• Peripheral vascular disease caused by blocked arteries in the legs.

How to increase low HDL?
*Adopt a healthy diet
*Be more active. Any exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling that raises your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes at a time is beneficial.
*Reduce waist circumference. Storing excess fat around waistline (apple shaped obesity) can cause LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to increase and reduce body HDL.
*Stop smoking
Low HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)

What are the components of blood?

The total blood volume in an adult is about 5.5 liters. The blood consists of a fluid and formed elements.

Formed elements include:
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets

Of the total volume in the human body, 50% - 60% is plasma or the liquid portion of the blood.

Various components of blood each play a role.  In humans, blood cells are produced by stem cells in the bone marrow.

Plasma is a protein-rich solution. It is the fluid portion of the blood in which electrolytes, nutrients, metabolites, vitamins, hormones, gases and parties are dissolved.

Red blood cells or erythrocytes transport O2 and play an important role in pH regulation. The cells deliver hemoglobin, which is the iron-bearing protein that makes the transportation of oxygen possible.

Hemoglobin also gives human blood and that of many other animals, its red color. The red blood cells normally make-up 40%-50% of the total blood volume.

White blood cells can be divided into neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and basophilic granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes.

Neutrophils play a role nonspecific immune defense, whereas monocytes and lymphocytes participate in specific immune response.

Eosinophil is an important defense against parasitic infections. It will increase in allergic states such as hay fever, asthma.

Platelets are needed for hemostasis. Platelets or thrombocytes are cell fragments without nuclei that work with blood clotting chemicals at the site of wounds.

The research has shown that platelets help fight infections by releasing proteins that kill invading bacteria and some other microorganisms.
What are the components of blood?

Papaya can reduce blood cholesterol levels

Papaya prevents the formation of urinary stones, prevents intestinal infection by parasites and aids in the proper functioning of the body’s immune system. The fruit contains papain and lipase help in metabolism of fatty foods.

Papaya along with fruits contains zero cholesterol and the high content of fiber will also help lower high cholesterol levels. Papaya keeps the arteries supply, soft and flexible, thus not allowing formation of cholesterol in the blood.

It also normalizes blood pressure due to tension, depression, anxiety and increase in cholesterol level; thus affecting smooth circulation of blood.

Papaya fruit have the potential to lower lipid levels and thus reduce cardiovascular disease.
Papaya can reduce blood cholesterol levels

Food and heart disease

Some foods are found to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, while others may protect against it.

High blood total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels are major modifiable risk factors in the development of heart disease.

One group of fats have emerged as a major cause of cell damage leading to diabetes, a heart disease, cancer and many other conditions and these are trans fats. People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Trans fats are found in almost every baked product, to prolong shelf life including potato chips, donut, and most popular breakfast cereals.

In epidemiological studies, fruits and vegetables has been an associated with decreased mortality from a variety of health outcomes including obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease.

In the early 1970s scientists found that Greenland Eskimos has extremely low incidence of heart disease and arthritis despite the fact that they consumed a high fat diet.

Scientists discovered that Greenland Eskimos consumption of omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attack, depression, and cancer.

Scientist research found that monounsaturated fatty acids (such as in olive oil), polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as in vegetables oils) and omega 3 fatty acids (such as in fish) may help lower blood lipids.

Diets high in soluble fiber such as in oat or rice bran, oat meal, legumes, barley, citrus fruits and strawberries may help lower LDL cholesterol.

The scientific evidence establishes that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol are associated with decreased levels of blood total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and thus decreased risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Food and heart disease

Celery is good for heart

Celery is an excellent source of antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese.

Best quality celery is fresh, crisp and clean, of medium length, thickness and density with good heart formation and branches that are brittle enough to snap easily.

Eating celery as well as consuming celery oil and celery seeds helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles on blood vessels.

Chomping on as few as four stalk of celery a day provides enough of the active ingredient a compound known as 3-butylphthalide, to reduce blood pressure.

Diuretics are often prescribed to treat both high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, which involves serious fluid buildup in the body.

Celery seed has been shown to have diuretic action, which supports its traditional role as a treatment for congestive heart failure.

Celery has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. It contains high levels of antioxidants, and enhances activity of white blood cells.
Celery is good for heart

Health benefits of grape juice

Grapes are an excellent source of health-promoting flavonoid. The stronger the color of the grape, the higher the concentration of flavonoids.

Flavonoids of polyphenols in grape juice are reported to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and improve blood circulation.

Expert says that flavonoids in purple grape juice are among the most powerful antioxidants around – may be even better than vitamins C or E.

Grape seed extracts, which are rich in flavonoids known as procyanolic oligomers, are widely used in treating varicose veins and other venous disorders.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that purple grape juice has the power to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides – both of which help to lower risk for heart disease.

A study at the University of Wisconsin found that when purple grape juice was given to laboratory animals, abnormal clotting was significantly reduced. It shows that flavonoids reduce the ‘stickiness’ of blood-clotting cells, or platelets which lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Another of the key components of grapes is resveratrol. Resveratrol belongs to a group of compounds called phytoalexins that plants produce in self-defense against environmental stressors, such as adverse weather or attack by insect or organisms.

Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and has also been shown to reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Health benefits of grape juice

Oatmeal for healthy heart

Oatmeal comes for the grain call oats – Avena sativa. Oatmeal has been eaten in Scotland and England for centuries, although in England, oats were mainly fed to horses.

In recent years, clinical studies have affirmed the ability of oatmeal and oat bran to reduce blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and generally reduce the long term risk of heart disease.

In recognition of these well-established benefits, in 1996 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted manufacturers/packagers of oatmeal the right to make specific health claim about this food, stating that diets high in oat meal or oat bran may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oat meal is one of the best unrefined carbohydrates for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and a healthy heart. It contains beta-glucan from soluble fiber. Beta-glucan is actually a type of polysaccharide. Beta –glucan helps lower cholesterol level and significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

In the intestines, soluble fiber forms a gellike mass that binds with bile and cholesterol, promoting their excretion from the body.

Because of this action, it has a potent cholesterol lowering effect, reducing both total cholesterol and LDLs.

According to the studies, one bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol levels between 8 and 23 percent in just three weeks.

Fiber plays an important dietary role in the prevention of coronary disease. A six-year study involving 22,000 middle-aged Finnish males showed that consuming as little as 3 g daily of soluble fiber (from the beta glucan fiber component of oats, barley or rye) reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 27%.
Oatmeal for healthy heart

Heart disease due to magnesium deficiency

Most modern heart disease is caused by magnesium deficiency. The diet of the industrial world is short on magnesium, and this causing an epidemic of heart disease in the modern world.

Human body loses magnesium from diarrhea, diet and stress. Diarrhea causes much of the magnesium in intestines to be excreted.

Magnesium deficiency can cause arrhythmia, prolonged of the QT interval or congestion heart failure and cardiac disease.

Heart is a muscle that pumps by constantly contracting and relaxing. Calcium helps heart and other muscle to contract. Magnesium helps them to relax.

Magnesium deficiency may result in the formation of clots in the heart and brain and may contribute to calcium deposits in the kidney, blood vessels and heart.

Magnesium deficiency may be the cause of idiopathic mitral valve prolapsed, a great valve disorder whose symptoms include palpitations, chest pain, fatique, panic attacks and hyperventilation.

Heart failure resulting from fibrillation and lesions in the small arteries is linked to a deficiency of magnesium, as its vasodilation, which can be followed by hyperkinetic behavior and fatal convulsions.

The researchers found that a magnesium deficiency cause of death from sudden heart attacks in 8 million people in US between 1940 and 1994.
Heart disease due to magnesium deficiency