Spices That Lower Bad Cholesterol (and How to Use Them in Your Cooking)

37. Barberry: The Tart Heart Booster

These small, ruby-red berries, a staple in Iranian cuisine, offer a unique, tart flavor and a powerful compound called berberine. Berberine has been extensively studied for its ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, improve blood sugar control, and even support liver function. It works by activating an enzyme that helps regulate metabolism and fat storage. Barberries can be rehydrated and added to rice pilafs, stews, and grain salads for a burst of flavor and color. Their vibrant sourness adds a surprising and beneficial element to savory dishes, making them a delicious and effective choice for heart health.

38. Hawthorn Berries: The Vascular Superfood

While not a typical cooking spice, hawthorn berries are a medicinal plant with a powerful reputation for heart health. These small, red berries are a vasodilator, meaning they help relax and widen blood vessels, which improves circulation and can lower blood pressure. This effect directly reduces the stress on your arteries. Hawthorn berries contain flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which help protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing the buildup of plaque in arteries. You can find them dried and use them to make a tart, flavorful tea, or add them to jams and jellies for a subtle, tangy note.