I'm always on the lookout for more natural solutions so you can have better options to solve health problems safely than merely relying on temporary "band aid" kinds of drugs that treat symptoms but never get to the heart of the matter.
That's why I was interested in study conducted by a group of Chinese researchers that found an extract from the hibiscus flower could have the same heart health benefits as antioxidants that help to control cholesterol levels as do red wine and tea.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L, which is grown in China, India and Taiwan, is used as a traditional remedy to treat high blood pressure and liver disorders.
The researchers found it contains antioxidants that are known to reduce the dangerous buildup of fats inside arteries.
They carried out a study looking at the effects of hibiscus extract on low density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol in rats. The hibiscus extract significantly reduced the build up of fatty deposits in arteries and blood cholesterol levels.
BBC News September 14, 2004