A healthy cholesterol level is essential to living a long, productive life. High cholesterol is dangerous and can lead to premature death. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke is greatly increased when a person’s LDL cholesterol level is too high. Not all cholesterol is bad. It is important to have a good understanding of the numbers related to cholesterol levels. HDL is referred to as the good kind of cholesterol, and it can actually help reduce the LDL or bad cholesterol levels. The following 5 tips can help lower cholesterol.
Reduce Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are high in cholesterol and are unhealthy in general. Foods that are deep fried or pan fried should be avoided at all costs. If frying is a must, use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
Eat More Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega fatty acids. Fish oil supplements are just as effective and easy to take for those who do not care for fish.
Eat Less Red Meat
Red meats like steak and hamburger tend to be high in cholesterol. It is okay to enjoy a juicy steak once a month or so, but more than two or three times a week is unhealthy. Try substituting chicken or fish for a red meat main course.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is an effective method at increasing HDL levels. The higher the HDL, the more likely LDL levels will be at a healthy level. It is recommended a person gets about 45 minutes to an hour of physical activity every day. This can be a walk around the walk, a game of basketball or riding a bike around the neighborhood. The key is keeping a regular routine at least five days a week.
Eat More Raw Fruits and Vegetables
The fiber in the fruits and veggies is a great way to lower cholesterol. Dietary fiber essentially grabs the cholesterol out of the bloodstream and flushes it out of the system. Raw fruits and vegetables are ideal, but frozen varieties can be helpful as well. Whole grains are also great sources of dietary fiber. Skip the white bread or white noodles and opt for whole grain varieties instead.
