The Best Methods To Reduce Cholesterol & Living A Healthier Life

Although cholesterol is not a bad thing, having too much of it increases your risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Cholesterol causes your arterial walls to accumulate wax, which narrows and clogs your arteries. This may block the blood flow to your brain or to your heart.  Therefore, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about the most effective techniques to reduce cholesterol.

LDL and HDL are the two main types of cholesterol. The good cholesterol, HDL, transports extra cholesterol from your arteries to your liver to be excreted. Due to its tendency to lodge extra cholesterol in your arteries, LDL is the bad cholesterol. This might raise your chance of blood clots, which could then lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Depending on your current health condition, managing your cholesterol levels would require either lowering your LDL levels or raising your HDL levels.

In any scenario, adding a few healthy habits into your lifestyle will help you maintain a good cholesterol level.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity helps lower your bad cholesterol levels and raise your HDL, or good cholesterol levels. Additionally, it makes your heart stronger and lowers blood pressure. Exercises with a high level of intensity may be particularly beneficial. A minimum of 150 minutes each day of moderate exercise is advised by doctors. Consult with your doctor for the suitable exercise routine for you.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity and overweight are associated with higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL). Heart disease risk can increase greatly by being overweight. However, having high cholesterol can be just as dangerous in skinny people. Staying fit and losing weight helps your cholesterol levels remain stable.

3. Choose good fats

Not all fats are harmful. Unsaturated fats are an option that won’t cause your cholesterol to rise. Nuts, seafood, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and other foods contain unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are included in processed meat and animal fat, which you should avoid.

4. Avoid trans-fat

Always read the labels on packaged food is a good habit you may practice in your everyday life. Trans fats are unhealthy and are often found in packaged meals including frozen pizza, snacks, and baked goods. Even items labelled “0g trans-fat” contain a tiny amount of fat, and over time, this fat will accumulate. On the ingredients list, look out for the phrase “partially hydrogenated,” which indicates the presence of trans-fat.