The good thing is that high cholesterol can be controlled to a great extent in the initial stages through a balanced diet, regular exercise and some healthy household habits. However, if cholesterol levels are very high or the doctor has prescribed medication, home remedies are not a substitute for medications but are part of a healthy lifestyle along with them.
Make fiber rich food a part of your diet
Soluble fiber helps in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. Oats, barley, pulses, apples, pears, flax seeds and green vegetables are good sources of fiber. Including these in the daily diet improves digestion and also benefits heart health.
Choose healthy fats instead of fried foods
Excessive consumption of foods containing ghee, butter and trans fat can increase cholesterol. Instead of these, consume healthy fats like olive oil, mustard oil, peanuts, almonds, walnuts and seeds in limited quantities. This provides essential fatty acids to the body and improves heart health.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily
Walking briskly, cycling, yoga or doing light exercise can help in increasing the level of good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week is considered beneficial for heart health.
Stay away from smoking and alcohol
Smoking damages blood vessels and can reduce good cholesterol levels. At the same time, excessive alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on both the heart and liver. Staying away from these habits is an important step for heart protection.
Keep both weight and stress under control
Overweight and constant stress are also factors that increase cholesterol. Weight and stress can be controlled by adopting a balanced diet, adequate sleep, meditation, pranayam and regular routine. This also reduces the pressure on the heart.
