Cinnamon may also provide heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) has been documented as a traditional treatment for cholesterol and diabetes patients.
Other herbal products: The results of several studies suggest fenugreek seeds and leaves, artichoke leaf extract, yarrow, and holy basil all may help lower cholesterol.
In particular, garlic, onion, ginger, and turmeric are all proven heart-friendly culinary herbs and spices. And fiber-rich fenugreek seeds—used in Indian curries, baked in Egyptian bread, and enjoyed as a drink in northern Africa—can also lower blood sugar as well as cholesterol.
Using turmeric for high cholesterol is beneficial because it contains a compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been proven to lower LDL cholesterol and prevent its oxidation, suppressing plaque build-up in arteries.
Total cholesterol decreased with cinnamon extract supplementation as did LDL-cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol was decreased in both the placebo and cinnamon extract-supplemented groups and triacylglycerols increased in both groups (Table 2).
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include: Red meat, like beef, pork, and lamb, as well as processed meats like sausage. Full-fat dairy, like cream, whole milk, and butter. Baked goods and sweets.
Apple cider vinegar also contains many polyphenols, or plant-based compounds. These antioxidant compounds have been shown to decrease blood pressure in laboratory animals, improve the ability to metabolize sugar, and have beneficial effects on cholesterol.
Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which has been found to have potential cholesterol-lowering effects. Piperine inhibits the activity of an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increases the secretion of bile acids that further aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.
Tomatoes. Whether they're fresh, sun-dried or in sauce, tomatoes are one of the best foods to lower cholesterol. Eating seven or more tomato servings per week cut risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 per cent in a study of more than 35,000 women conducted by doctors at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Honey has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 6%, triglyceride levels by 11%, and potentially boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries.
Thanks to their naturally high vitamin C levels, lemons are also beneficial in helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. Mixing the juice of two to three lemons in water each day can be enough to lower your low-density lipoprotein (also known as 'bad' cholesterol) and lower the risk of heart disease.