Surprising Drinks That Can Naturally Lower Bad Cholesterol

19. Kefir (Low-Fat Dairy or Water): The Gut Health Connection

This tangy fermented drink is packed with probiotics. Why does that matter for cholesterol? Your gut microbiome plays a surprising role in how your body metabolizes fats and cholesterol. A healthy, diverse gut flora, supported by probiotics found in kefir, may help regulate cholesterol levels systemically and reduce inflammation, both crucial for heart health. Choose low-fat dairy or water kefir options for the benefits without added saturated fats.

20. Artichoke Leaf Tea or Extract in Water: The Cynarin Effect

Artichokes are known for containing cynarin, a compound believed to stimulate bile production by the liver. Since your body uses cholesterol to synthesize bile acids, promoting bile flow might potentially help lower blood cholesterol levels by increasing its use and excretion. While more research is needed specifically on artichoke tea for LDL lowering, adding this traditional liver-supportive herb (available as tea bags or liquid extract) to your beverage routine offers an intriguing, lesser-known avenue for supporting healthy cholesterol metabolism.