Control Your Cholesterol the Natural Way

If you have had your cholesterol numbers checked recently and your doctor has advised you that it’s too high, they may discuss the different medications with you that have been developed to lower cholesterol. Although medication is appropriate in some cases, there are natural options that may work for you that can be incorporated easily into your diet.

Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol with Food

You may have seen adverts promoting oatmeal as a food product that can lower your cholesterol, but there are many different foods with this ability. Eating foods that support a healthy heart like soybeans, olive oil, walnuts green leafy vegetables and red wine along with a consistent exercise routine can increase the level of HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. You can reduce your cholesterol level by 15% by consuming 3 ounces of walnuts daily.

Many of the foods that lower cholesterol have other properties that are protective to the heart and the total body system because of their anti-oxidant role in clearing the body of free radicals which destroy body cells.

The Role of Exercise in Lowering Cholesterol

Some people believe exercise is only beneficial for toning the muscles, but in fact a consistent exercise routine of 30 minutes at least 5 times a week gives your internal organs the stimulation they need to function at their best. Through proper stimulation, the levels of HDL or good cholesterol will increase which is important to keep the cells of your body in good shape.

There are several different forms of exercise beside aerobics and calisthenics that you can perform to reap the rewards of a healthier heart: yoga, brisk walking, swimming and jogging are only a few. The other benefit of regular exercise is that is a good way to release the stress that can cause your body to release hormones that place additional pressure on your heart.

Nutritional Supplements that Lower Cholesterol

One of the best supplements that have been proven to lower cholesterol is the Ayurvedic herb Guggal which provides results in 30-45 days. For hundreds of years, Guggal has been taken as a remedy for high cholesterol and obesity. Nutritional supplements work in harmony with the body which makes them the ideal choice. There are several comprehensive formulas specifically designed to lower cholesterol such as OC MAX. Serrazyme from the enzyme Serratia E15 silkworm is one of the powerful ingredients in this nutritional supplement that reduces cholesterol levels is said to reduce cholesterol levels.

Nutmeg – Fabled Spice for Wealth and Romance

The nutmeg tree, is native to the Moluccas Islands, located in the archipelago of Indonesia, once known as the “Spice Islands.” Hidden inside the fruit of the treed is the nutmeg seed, usually about the size of a large egg, encased in a brilliant red netting called an “aril.” The aril is dried and sold as the spice Mace.

As with most herbs and spices there are many folklore tales related to the powers of nutmeg. It was once believed that nutmeg oil enhanced a man’s sexual prowess: during the sixteenth century young men were advised to use nutmeg oil to increase their pleasure. And the fragrance of nutmeg led it to be used much like the deodorant of today.

At one time, nutmeg was considered one of the most valuable spices, partly due to the Dutch monopoly of its trade: less than a handful of nutmeg seeds could easily be sold for enough money to secure a luxurious lifestyle.

It is also believed that carrying a nutmeg seed can attract wealth. In some folklore, it was related that nutmeg improved a gambler’s chances of winning. In Europe during the height of its popularity, it was used as a symbol of affluence.

Nutmeg spice has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for rheumatism, broken bones and ailments of the skin such as boils. During medieval times it was highly coveted due to the belief that nutmeg had the power to ward off the plague.

The use of nutmeg for its healing properties is also impressive. Ayurvedic preparations include it for treating premature ejaculation, digestive disorders and urinary incontinence. In addition, nutmeg has effectively treated dysentery and gastroenteritis, arthritis, muscle aches, neuralgia, poor circulation, and rheumatism.

In cooking, nutmeg is a favorite for desserts, beverages and spicy foods such as eggnog, mulled wine, puddings, cookies, pies and cakes. But it can also add a delectable flavor to meats and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, cauliflower or spinach. Italians add it to their sausages, in the Middle East, nutmeg is used to season lamb while in Scotland it is used to give zest to “haggis.” Many cooks include nutmeg when preparing soufflés or soups such as chicken, tomato, split pea or black bean.

Nutmeg is a versatile spice that is best purchased from an organic source for the best quality. For medicinal and culinary purposes, nutmeg is a spice that adds healthy benefits to your diet as well as wonderful flavor.