How To Control Cholesterol Through Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to reduce cholesterol. Exercise can be in the form of walking, cycling or swimming for a minimum of half an hour each day. This can help increase the level of high-density lipoproteins which in turn helps rid bad cholesterol from the body. In addition, drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day can help the body absorb nutrients from food being consumed and help the digestive system function smoothly. Deep breathing exercises can also help de-stress the body.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that attaches itself to lipoproteins and travels along the bloodstream. However, not all cholesterol is bad for the body. There are two types of cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoproteins are also known as bad cholesterol as a high level of this type of cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque leading to strokes and other such cardiac conditions. High-density cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol as it absorbs bad cholesterol and aids in its elimination from the body.

Cholesterol can be lowered naturally by paying attention to your diet. According to Ayurveda, unbalanced kapha dosha is one of the root causes of cholesterol accumulation in the body. This is because the kapha dosha is largely responsible for fat metabolism. Thus having a kapha pacifying diet can help enhance fat metabolism and remove cholesterol from the body. This type of diet favors foods that have bitter, pungent and astringent tastes such as leafy greens, pulses, dried beans, cruciferous vegetables, barley and oats.

Garlic has a number of benefits when it comes to reducing cholesterol. This is because it keeps cholesterol particles from attaching themselves to the walls of arteries and hence prevents the formation of plaque. It can be used in its natural raw form, cooked with food, or taken in the form of a tablet, powder or extract form. However, it is most beneficial when taken in its raw form every morning. Garlic also helps reduce blood clotting and blood pressure and boosts the body s immune system.