It may be hard to believe, but every cell in our body has cholesterol, which is necessary when it comes to producing hormones and vitamin D, as well as to digest food. This waxy substance occurs naturally in the body and is also found in many foods. Cholesterol is made up of two types of lipoproteins: LDL (low density) and HDL (high density). HDL is the good kind.
Increasing your intake of dietary fiber in the form of bran, oatmeal, kidney beans, pears or apples, is one way to get more HDL cholesterol and offset the effects of its LDL counterpart. If getting enough fiber in your diet is a concern, try Enzymatic Therapy's Fiber Delights Chewables, available in either tasty chocolate or vanilla.
Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and high in HDLs. If you're not crazy about fish but want its benefits, consider Actic Omega's Lemon Softgels, with a pleasant lemon oil and rosemary flavor, so you won't even know that you're getting the benefits of sardines and anchovies.
Another food high in HDLs, as well as protein, is nuts, which are high in polyunsaturated fats. Nuts are also high in calories, and a little go a long way in terms of filling you up so snack on a handful at a time, instead of emptying the entire can in one sitting. Opt for unsalted nuts and stay away from sugary coatings.
Olive oil, along with its antioxidant properties, is also a great way to reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL levels. When your recipes call for butter, consider using olive oil; it's also a versatile replacement in salad dressing or makes a great dip for French bread. But go easy since it is still fairly calorie-intensive.
Exercise is the final rung on your way to get your cholesterol back to healthy levels. Dr. Robert Harrington of Duke University's School of Medicine advises patients to walk 45 minutes after their evening meal and Dr. Pamela Peeke of the University of Maryland's School of Medicine has her patients track their activity with a pedometer, striving for 10,000 steps daily. Indeed, diet and exercise are the keys to keep your cholesterol levels in check.
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