Doctors tell us that it is important to keep out cholesterol levels within certain limits. If our cholesterol level gets too high, they will prescribe medication to bring it down. However, there is a lot that we can do to lower cholesterol and keep it under control by simply following a few good lifestyle habits. The following five elements all contribute toward reducing the "bad cholesterol" known as LDL as well as helping to boost your "good" cholesterol known as HDL.
1. Lose weight if you are overweight
Every pound that you lose will help with reducing your cholesterol level. The closer you can get to your ideal weight, the better. It can be difficult, so I recommend keeping a food diary. Keep track of everything you eat and you should be able to identify what is holding you back.
2. Follow a healthy diet
Now is a great time to change your eating habits. Eat less red meat, have no more than two portions per week, and increase your white meats such as chicken. Fish is also good for you, especially oily fish such as herrings, sardines, salmon and tuna. You are looking for fish containing omega 3 fats. Also make sure that you have some carbohydrates on your plate. Potatoes, pasta or rice are ideal sources but watch the amount. Take advantage of vegetables and salads to fill up your plate.
3. Exercise daily
Aim to get at least thirty minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Activities such as walking, swimming and cycling are all good. The best thing about exercise is that it not only lowers your overall cholesterol levels, but it boosts your HDL levels into the bargain.
4. Stop smoking
This is perhaps the most important thing you can do, if you smoke STOP NOW. Stopping will increase your HDL levels and also decrease your blood pressure. Just twenty four hours of non smoking will see a reduction in your chances of having a heart attack. These benefits just keep getting better, and after a year of non smoking your risk of having a heart attack will be half of what it once was.
5. Moderate your alcohol intake
Moderate levels of alcohol can boost your HDL levels, just don't overdo it. Keep to the prescribed limits of one unit per day for a woman and no more than two units per day for a man.
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