Hdl Cholesterol - The Importance Of Increasing Your Good Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol which stands for high density lipoproteins is another term for good cholesterol

. A desirable HDL reading would be 60 mg/dl. A borderline HDL reading would be 40 to 59 mg/dl and anything under 40 mg/dl is considered dangerous. Age plays a big factor with decreasing levels of good cholesterol and people over the age of 45 have higher risks of heart attacks due to a drop in HDL cholesterol. Therefore, it is important to learn how to increase your HDL levels and lower your LDL (low density lipoproteins) levels for optimum health.

Although there really are no signs and symptoms of bad cholesterol or a drop in good cholesterol, you may experience lack of energy, have aches and pains and feel tired and drained. If this seems to be the case on a daily basis, it is a good idea to have yourself check out by your physician.

Besides for taking prescription medication, there are certain things that you can do to increase your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol and that involves exercise and eating the right kinds of foods. For instance, by taking a 30 minute brisk walk each morning or maybe enjoying a swim instead, you can really increase your HDL levels. Eating foods which contain healthy fats can make a significant difference.

Different healthy fat foods would include: olive oil which has been shown to increase good cholesterol, apples, especially Granny Smith which contain pectin are known to increase HDL levels, oatmeal and oat bran which contains fiber which absorb cholesterol in the intestines, cranberries and fish oil which raise HDL cholesterol.

Eating foods with healthy fats and getting plenty of exercise is key to good cholesterol and good health. However, you should also avoid bad habits such as smoking which has an undeniable link to lower HDL cholesterol and accelerates plaque build up in the vessel walls. You only have one life, so it is important to take care of it. Make sure you have regular check ups with your doctor so you can test your cholesterol levels often and do your part of keeping yourself healthy.

by: Joyce Williams

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