8 Teas That Help Lower Cholesterol

Garlic, dandelion, canary grass or basil tea can help to lower cholesterol.

Elevated blood cholesterol levels are harmful to your health. These fats are part of a group of lipids that can be distinguished from others by their chemical structure and physical properties.

This category of molecules is important for many forms of life, and perform both structural and metabolic functions. For the majority of people, fats are a very important part of their diet.

However, the fats we eat on a daily basis can build up over time. In some cases, this build up can lead to severe conditions and diseases.

In this article, you’ll find some teas that can help to lower your cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

According to this information from the US National Library of Medicine, cholesterol is a type of fat present in tissues and blood plasma and is found in even greater concentrations in organs such as the:

• Liver
• Pancreas
• Brain
• Spinal cord

Cholesterol (at normal levels) is natural and beneficial for the body, as it makes up the elastic membrane that regulates the entry and exit of substances from cells.

Issues occur when cholesterol levels are too high, and become a danger to your health. In high concentrations, the fat sticks to the walls of the arteries, preventing normal blood flow, which can lead to heart disease.

It’s worth noting that the risks increase with age and that high cholesterol may not produce any symptoms. Remember, high cholesterol is only detected by a complete blood analysis.

Teas that help lower cholesterol

Many teas or herbal infusions contain properties that are beneficial for your health. Among other things, they can help to lower your cholesterol.

In this next section, we’ll show you some great recipes:

Basil

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fresh basil leaves (or ½ tablespoon of dried leaves)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• The juice of ½ a lemon

Directions

• Firstly, boil the basil in the water for 10 minutes.
• Then, remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
• Finally, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and drink, always on an empty stomach.
• After drinking the tea, wait 15 minutes before eating.

Green tea

Green tea has many benefits for your health, especially when it comes to lowering your cholesterol, as confirmed in this study carried out by the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. Plus, it’s something you can easily buy from the store.

Amaranth

Amaranth seed originates from America, and has been used in Native American culture for thousands of years, thanks to its numerous beneficial properties. It’s not only used in natural remedies, but also in many different culinary recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of young amaranth leaves
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Directions

• Firstly, boil the water and amaranth for 5 minutes.
• Then, remove from heat, cover, and let brew for 5 minutes.
• Finally, strain and drink after breakfast. Repeat after lunch.

Dandelion

Ingredients

• 1 handful of dandelions
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Directions

• Like any normal tea, boil the dandelion leaves in the water. Leave it to cool, then strain, sweeten and enjoy.

Fenugreek

It’s believed that this natural Greek remedy reduces triglyceride levels in the blood, according to this study by the Josai University in Japan. It also acts as an analgesic and anticoagulant during menstruation, according to this research conducted by the Shahid Beheshti University in Iran.

To improve its healing powers, combine it with gugul (which you can buy in a health food store). Drink this brew 2–3 times a day.

Ingredients

• Fenugreek, 1 tablespoon (15 g)
• Gugul, 1 tablespoon (15 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Directions

• Prepare the tea as normal, and remember to strain it before drinking.
• Finally, sweeten with a little honey.

Tamarind

It’s believed that this tropical tree found in Africa (notably in Sudan) was introduced to Latin America by the Spanish conquistadors (making it popular in Mexico and Costa Rica). Not only can you use the fruit in drinks, but it’s also said to be great when it comes to regulating cholesterol.

While there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims, if you still want to try it:

Ingredients

• 1 tamarind
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• A few drops of lemon juice

Directions

• Firstly, peel the tamarind and cut into quarters.
• Then, boil for 15 minutes.
• Finally, add the lemon juice and consume, including the tamarind.
• We recommend drinking one cup on an empty stomach and another before going to bed.

Garlic

There’s no natural remedy more complete or effective than garlic. Garlic is a powerful antibacterial, and is also great for lowering cholesterol, according to this study carried out by the Valladolid University, Spain.

What’s more, by complementing it with green tea, their combined natural properties will help to improve the fat levels in the blood in a few weeks.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teabag of green tea
• The juice of ½ a lemon
• 1 of cup boiling water

Directions

• Firstly, crush the raw garlic and put it in the boiling water along with the teabag.
• Then, let rest for 5 minutes, strain and finish by adding the lemon juice.
• Finally, drink a cup before breakfast on an empty stomach and another before going to bed.