The best teas to lower cholesterol

High cholesterol levels have become a common health issue among the population, mainly due to the consumption of unhealthy foods. If you are experiencing this condition, in addition to consulting a specialist, you should also modify your diet to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, as well as juices and smoothies. In addition to changing your diet, you can also start consuming teas to lower cholesterol, as various recent scientific studies have confirmed that there are indeed teas that will help you naturally reduce cholesterol levels. Here we tell you which ones they are.What is cholesterol?According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells of our body, as it is necessary for producing hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that aid digestion. However, if we have too much cholesterol, it combines with other substances and forms a sort of plaque that adheres to blood vessels. Once this happens, our health is at risk, as we are more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. You can also read: 5 foods to combat bad cholesterolHow many types of cholesterol are there?According to experts, there are 3 types of cholesterol: Good cholesterol (HDL): This type of cholesterol is responsible for transporting cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, where it is eliminated.Bad cholesterol (LDL): This is known as bad cholesterol, as high levels cause plaque to accumulate in the heart's arteries.Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL): This substance is responsible for transporting triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Some experts also classify it as bad cholesterol.What causes high cholesterol?In most cases, an unhealthy lifestyle is the main cause of elevated cholesterol, including:Unhealthy diet: Excessive consumption of fats, dairy, meat, junk food, chocolate, and fried food will raise your bad cholesterol levels.Lack of exercise: Experts indicate that a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise reduce good cholesterol levels.Smoking: This habit not only increases bad cholesterol levels but also lowers good cholesterol levels.You can also read: Discover all the benefits that hibiscus tea has for youTeas to lower cholesterolIt is important to mention that there are no magic remedies to lower cholesterol, as this can only be achieved by changing your diet, eliminating junk food, and starting to exercise. However, there are certain teas that will be very helpful, as they have great benefits for combating bad cholesterol and, therefore, for taking care of your heart. Here are the best ones. Green teaThanks to the fact that green tea contains antioxidants and a substance called catechin, this drink becomes the perfect weapon to combat high cholesterol, especially LDL. On the other hand, a study published in 2020 also indicates that the consumption of this tea decreases bad cholesterol levels but does not affect good cholesterol or triglycerides. Hibiscus teaIn addition to being the perfect ingredient for making refreshing drinks, hibiscus also has many health benefits. Recent scientific studies have found that antioxidants are powerful allies against cholesterol. So far, research indicates that hibiscus tea contains the highest levels of antioxidants.Ginger teaAs you may already know, ginger tea has many health benefits, so it’s no surprise that it also helps lower cholesterol levels. According to a study published in 2008, ginger powder had a significant effect on the cholesterol levels of participants. This is why a refreshing ginger tea is the perfect option to start the day. Dandelion teaThis tea is another great natural remedy for cholesterol, as it has been part of traditional medicine for many years. In 2010, a study conducted on animals confirmed that dandelion is beneficial in the fight against cholesterol. Finally, remember that these teas are natural remedies to lower cholesterol, but they should also be accompanied by a good diet, exercise, and guidance from a specialist. You can also read: The incredible benefits of ginger teaDrinks to avoid if you have high cholesterolNow that you know which teas will help you lower cholesterol naturally, it is also important to avoid consuming certain drinks, as you must remember that high cholesterol levels can affect your heart.What drinks should you avoid?Drinks with whipped creamSodaDrinks prepared with high-fat milkDrinks made with ice creamCoconut drinksDrinks containing coconut or palm oilDrinks you should consume in moderation:Energy drinksFruit juiceHot chocolate