High Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol builds up in blood vessels and creates high blood pressure and hardening of
the arteries, as well as increasing the risk for serious heart diseases. Using the proper herbs is
a great way to improve your HDL:LDL ratio.

Artichoke Tea
The artichoke herb (Cynara cardunculus and Cynara scolymus), also known as Chinese
artichoke or knotroot, is known to improve the body’s digestive ability as well as enhance
liver and gall bladder functioning. It’s also one of the few herbs that can raise HDL cholesterol
levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels at the same time. While the herb is working on
cholesterol, it has a dual function that helps lower blood pressure, too. What an herb!
Ingredients
1 tsp. artichoke leaves, dried
1 cup boiling water
Instructions
Add herb to a coffee cup and pour in boiling water. Cover. Let steep for 5 minutes. Then strain
and drink the tea.

Cholesterol-Lowering Toast
Try this easy food remedy to keep cholesterol levels in check. It is also prevents infections.
Ingredients
1 slice whole grain bread
1 tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
Instructions
Preheat broiler to low. Brush bread with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic on bread. Toast bread under
broiler until light brown. Do not overcook, or garlic will be bitter and some of its healing
properties will be diminished. Serves 1.
Enjoy daily for optimal benefits if using to reduce cholesterol. If being used for infections,
enjoy several times daily.

Macadamia Walnut Salad
This heart-healthy salad is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids, and the
chickpeas are a good source of fiber. Dried cherries, ginger, and garlic have multiple health
benefits for the circulatory and immune systems.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2-inch piece ginger, freshly peeled and finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons macadamia nut oil
Salad:
4 cups romaine lettuce, torn into large pieces
1 can low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cherries, dried
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Place lettuce in a large bowl. Combine remaining salad ingredients and toss with lettuce.
Stir vinaigrette dressing and pour over salad immediately before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

Nutty Snack Mix
This recipe is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats, including the less-common
omega-7 fats.
Ingredients
1 cup walnuts
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup peanuts
1 Tbsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. garlic, dried
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
4 cups popcorn, popped
Instructions
Toast the nuts in an ungreased frying pan over medium heat. Stir frequently. Add rosemary,
garlic, and cayenne pepper when nuts are toasted. Stir to combine ingredients. Remove from
heat. Add popcorn. Mix ingredients lightly with a large spoon. Add parmesan cheese. Mix
again and serve. Makes 7 cups.

Spicy Nuts and Fruit
These are rich in healthy fats and spices that stimulate circulatory health.
Ingredients
1 tsp. macadamia nut oil
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup walnuts
1 tsp. cinnamon, ground
1/2 tsp. ginger, powdered
1/4 tsp. nutmeg, ground
1/8 tsp. cloves, ground
1 cup apricots, dried
1 cup cranberries, dried
1 cup cherries, dried
Instructions
Coat a frying pan with macadamia oil. Turn stovetop heat to medium. Add nuts. Stirring
frequently, cook until toasted lightly. Stir in spices. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Add
dried fruits and combine. Makes 5 cups.