Cholesterol is a lipid compound that is necessary for the body but can be dangerous to the heart and arteries when cholesterol levels in the blood are too high. Cholesterol is usually divided into two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is considered bad cholesterol, since it is the primary cause of blockages of arteries which leads to heart disease, while HDL is considered good cholesterol, since it facilitates the breakdown of LDL. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, those with high cholesterol are well advised to take steps to reduce cholesterol.
Instructions
1. Exercise regularly. The presence of good cholesterol in the blood has been shown to be affected by one's physical fitness and activity level. Regular cardiovascular activity strengthens the heart itself as well as reduces the change of artery blockage.
2. Eat a diet heavy in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber contained in whole wheat and oats are known to decrease bad cholesterol. Also avoid foods high in saturated fat and trans fat content like butter, dairy and fatty meats, opting for fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Olive oil is considered a relatively healthy substitute for butter. Avoid food with high bad cholesterol content. Eggs, cream cheese, shellfish and organ meats tend to be high in bad cholesterol.
3. Maintain a healthy body weight. It is quite possible to exercise regularly and eat foods low in cholesterol and still be overweight. Watch the size of your portions, not just what kinds foods you eat. People who are overweight tend to have higher cholesterol levels.
4. Ask your doctor about cholesterol medication. There are several types of medications that can be taken in pill form that help increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol; popular brands inlucde Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor. Do not, however, use such medication as an excuse to slack off in other areas. To protect your heart as much as possible, you must attack the problem on multiple fronts.
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