Beware of Cholesterol Rising After New Year's Eve, 5 Cholesterol-Lowering Leaves that are Easy to Find

JAKARTA - New Year's Eve celebrations are often filled with high-fat foods and sweet drinks. Unfortunately, this habit can make cholesterol levels in the blood rise if it is not balanced with a healthy lifestyle.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that the body needs for important functions, such as hormone production and digestion. The body can produce cholesterol itself, but cholesterol is also found in animal foods, such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese.

Cholesterol is divided into two main types, namely LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is known as bad cholesterol, because it can accumulate and form plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Meanwhile, HDL is called good cholesterol, because it helps carry cholesterol from the blood to the liver to be disposed of, maintaining balance and heart health.

Maintaining the balance between LDL and HDL is very important. If there is excess cholesterol, plaque can clog arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, and trigger serious diseases such as coronary artery disease. High cholesterol can be influenced by diet, genetics, and lifestyle.

Foods high in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL, while being less active can lower HDL. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so regular check-ups are important.

To lower cholesterol naturally, here are 5 medicinal leaves that are easy to find in the yard that can help, as reported by the Times of India website on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Basil leaves contain antioxidants that help lower cholesterol and fight oxidative stress. Basil can be brewed into tea or added to salads as part of a healthy diet.

In addition to refreshing, mint leaves help digestion and lower cholesterol. The bulb in the mint leaves increases the flow of bile, which is important for fat metabolism. Mint can be added to smoothies, salads, or other dishes.

Fenugreek leaves are rich in soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestines. Fenugreek can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a supplement for optimal results.

Curry leaves contain antioxidants that inhibit fat absorption in the intestine, while adding flavor to the dish. Adding curry leaves to dishes can help lower cholesterol while supporting heart health.

Neem leaves are well known for their detoxification ability and support liver function. Compounds in neem can lower LDL while increasing HDL. Regular consumption of neem leaves, both as a juice and a supplement, is effective for those with high cholesterol.

By regularly consuming these leaves, LDL levels can be more easily controlled, while maintaining heart health. In addition, changes in diet and regular exercise also play a major role in lowering cholesterol naturally.