The level of cholesterol in our blood has a deep impact on our health. LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol affects our health adversely, whereas HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is beneficial for us. Maintaining the balance of good and bad cholesterol levels is essential for a good, healthy life, one that is free from heart disease.
Simply put, we should do our best to enhance the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Cholesterol levels can be controlled using chemical intervention in the form of medicines. This is an emergency solution, not a long term solution. Natural, holistic therapies are preferred for cholesterol control. Cardiovascular exercise is the prime example of such therapy. This exercise improves the blood circulation. The improved blood circulation means firstly, more health and secondly, better elimination of harmful wastes like LDL cholesterol.
Cardiovascular exercise must be done regularly for it to be effective. The American Heart Association’s recommendation is very simple: just put in 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day. You can even do it in stages. There is another opinion, led by Dr. Mercola, who says that one hour of cardiovascular exercise is necessary and that too at one go.
Most people think that dietary control means limiting the amount of food you have. Not so. The amount is secondary; the kind of food is primary. Include more of mono-unsaturated fats in the food you have, both as food items and in the form of a cooking medium. Omega-3 fats (found in fish) and virgin olive oil are good for health. Be wary of genetically modified unsaturated fats. Do not have or use saturated fats at all.
Some fats like omega-3 fats actually enhance the level of HDL cholesterol. Include fish in your diet because they are rich sources of these beneficial fats. Margarine and creamy and sugary processed food items are bad for HDL cholesterol, and should be restricted. Dietary control coupled with regular cardiovascular exercise will improve your HDL cholesterol level.
What else can you do to improve your HDL cholesterol level? You can change the bad habits that are part of modern life. Cigarette smoking destroys the HDL cholesterol in the blood. Stop smoking to prevent this destruction of beneficial HDL cholesterol. Obesity increases the level of bad HDL cholesterol. Regular workouts can reduce obesity and improve the cholesterol balance.
Modern life is very hectic. This leads to many stressful situations. Stress has an immediate effect on the cholesterol level in the blood. Stress management techniques are very helpful in keeping the cholesterol balance at a healthy level. Change your outlook on life to handle stressful situations safely. Consider a change of work environment for the sake of your health.
Your primer for healthy HDL cholesterol levels reads like this: A is for cardiovascular exercise, B is for dietary control, and C is for modifying your lifestyle. With healthy HDL cholesterol coursing through your body you can count on a healthy life free of heart disease.
To discover ways of lowering cholesterol naturally go to www.Reduce-High-Cholesterol.com. You’ll find out what foods you need to eat, and what you need to avoid. You’ll also learn how owning a cholesterol monitor can save you expensive visits to the physician.