Top 7 Herbal Tea Blends to Control Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol, especially LDL or the bad type, is the main cause of high blood pressure, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Many people who suffer from high cholesterol turn to the easiest option, namely medications, unaware that natural methods such as lifestyle modifications, diet, and drinking herbal teas also play an effective role in this regard.
One of the organic and yet simple ways to control high cholesterol is to drink herbal teas. Active compounds in herbs, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory compounds, reduce LDL, boost beneficial HDL, and prevent fat oxidation. Meta-analyses have shown that consuming green tea can significantly reduce LDL and total cholesterol.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 herbal tea blends that help control bad cholesterol and how we can brew them at home.
Why is High Cholesterol Bad?
When bad cholesterol builds up in the body, it causes fat deposits to form and harden the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High cholesterol is often accompanied by high triglyceride levels, which may affect brain and kidney function.
High cholesterol damages the artery walls and causes an inflammatory response in the tissues, which leads to metabolic disorders, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases.
Why Are Herbal Teas Good for Lowering Cholesterol?
Herbal teas have been used in several traditional medicine systems due to their unique properties. The same properties are also beneficial for controlling and lowering bad cholesterol. Let’s dive deeper and why herbal teas are good for preventing and lowering cholesterol.
Antioxidants & Flavonoids
Compounds such as catechins in green tea, curcumin in turmeric, and some compounds in marshmallow and ginger neutralize free radicals, prevent LDL oxidation, and help reduce inflammation. Several scientific studies showed that green tea supplementation significantly reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Direct Effect on Cholesterol Synthesis & Absorption
Garlic is one of the herbs that has been shown in numerous tests to inhibit the activity of enzymes such as HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol, and also reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
Promotes Liver Health & Blood Circulation
Herbs such as dandelion play a role in regulating fat metabolism by helping to cleanse the liver and increase the excretion of waste products from the body. Teas such as cherry blossom and mint also help reduce fat accumulation by improving digestion and blood circulation.
Top 7 Herbal Teas to Lower Cholesterol (Cheatsheet)
I have a list of 7 herbal teas that, according to studies I reviewed, have been shown to help lower LDL or improve blood lipid profiles:
| Herbal Tea | Why It’s Good | How to Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | Catechin reduces total and LDL cholesterol. | Steep in hot water (not boiling) for 3-5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily. |
| Hibiscus Tea | Anthocyanins and antioxidants reduce LDL and triglycerides. | Steep in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Drink 1-2 times a day, hot or cold. |
| Garlic Tea | Allicin in garlic reduces total and LDL cholesterol. | Boil a few cloves in a little water for 5-10 minutes, then strain. Add a little lemon or honey for a better taste. |
| Peppermint Tea | Improves digestion and reduces inflammation, which is good for heart health. | Steep in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily. |
| Turmeric Tea | Curcumin prevents cholesterol oxidation and reduces LDL levels. | Mix a teaspoon of turmeric in hot water. Drink once or twice a day at most. |
| Ginger Tea | Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. | Steep a few fresh slices in boiling water for 10 minutes & strain. Drink 1-2 times a day. |
| Dandelion Tea | Helps regulate cholesterol levels by aiding liver function and detoxification. | Steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily. |
#1 Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins, meta-analysis studies show that regular consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol.
How to Brew Classic Green Tea and Use?
Steep green tea leaves in boiling water at about 80-85 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
#2 Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus contains anthocyanins and antioxidants, so it reduces LDL and triglycerides.
How to Brew Hibiscus Tea and Use?
Steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink 1-2 times a day, hot or cold.
#3 Garlic Tea
Active compounds such as allicin in garlic have been studied in meta-analyses to reduce total and LDL cholesterol.
How to Brew Garlic Tea Decoction?
Boil a few crushed garlic cloves in a little water for 5-10 minutes, then strain. Add a little lemon or honey for a better taste. Drink 1 cup daily.
#4 Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea helps improve digestion and reduce inflammation, which is perfect for heart health.
How to Brew Peppermint Tea and Use?
Steep peppermint leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
#5 Turmeric Tea
Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties that prevent cholesterol oxidation and reduce LDL levels.
How to Brew The Golden Milk and Use?
Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in hot water and it is ready to serve. Drink once or twice a day at most.
#6 Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How to Brew Ginger Tea and Use?
Steep a few fresh ginger pieces in boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink1-2 times a day.
#7 Dandelion Tea
Dandelion leaves help regulate cholesterol levels by aiding liver function and detoxification.
How to Brew Dandelion Flower Tea and Use?
Steep dried dandelion leaves or roots in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink 1-2 times daily.
Conclusion
Adding herbal teas to your daily diet can be a natural, inexpensive, and relatively safe way to help control bad cholesterol. Scientific evidence shows that green tea and garlic have been particularly effective. Herbs like turmeric, hibiscus, and dandelion, with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can help lower LDL and total cholesterol.
However, these teas are not a substitute for prescription medications, especially if your cholesterol is very high or you are at high cardiovascular risk. It is important to consult your doctor before starting any herbal supplement or making any major dietary changes. Combining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet with these teas can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications, and help maintain long-term health.
