High cholesterol is the biggest problem for the heart. It can cause heart disease, heart attack and stroke, and poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are the main causes. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up in the blood vessels and can form plaque there.

The body contains both good and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol is needed for health, while bad cholesterol can be dangerous and even deadly.

The uncontrolled build-up of cholesterol is called atherosclerosis in medical terms. It doubles the risk of heart disease, nerve problems, heart attack and stroke.

Many people take statins or blood-thinning medicines to lower cholesterol, but taking these drugs for a long time can be dangerous. So it is important to eat healthy food and exercise instead of relying on these medicines.

There are several home and natural remedies for lowering cholesterol, and one easily available one is amla (Indian gooseberry). Here is how amla may reduce bad cholesterol.

Amla's greatest strength is its vitamin C. This sour fruit is also a store of antioxidants and minerals. It is thought that 100 grams of amla contains as much vitamin C as 20 oranges.

It has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to treat various problems. It is very low in sugar and rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and calcium.

According to a study published in BMC, a group of patients was given 500 milligrams of amla juice and some capsules twice a day for 12 weeks. When the researchers tested them afterwards, the bad cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood had fallen.

The researchers had the patients drink about a cup of amla juice every day. Amla can also be eaten raw. The juice is very sour, so some honey and black salt can be added to improve the taste.

Besides lowering cholesterol, amla also helps control diabetes, improve digestion and eyesight, strengthen immunity and improve mental health.

Citing Healthshots.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.