How To Lower Your Cholesterol

Every day, we are faced with hundreds of choices, especially when it comes to our health. High cholesterol is just one of the common, yet serious, issues we have to deal with every day and knowing how to lower your cholesterol in your diet is important. Studies show that adults as young as 20 should start getting tested for high cholesterol so that we can keep our cholesterol in check starting right now. There is so much we can do to ensure that we stay healthy.

Food is a wonderful thing. However, we have so many choices and sometimes we don’t always make the best one. We go to a fast food restaurant and choose a cheeseburger over a salad and soda instead water. Most people don’t ask themselves before they take a big bite into that juicy burger how it’s going to affect their cholesterol. Perhaps we should start.

Oatmeal is a healthy, cholesterol conscious choice for breakfast and a great example of how to lower your cholesterol without drugs. It lowers LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, and it tastes great. Eating fish, such as mackerel, salmon and halibut, is a great alternative to red meat. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and can help those who have already suffered from a heart attack to keep your cholesterol down and also reduce any risk of sudden death. For those of you who hate fish, consider taking fish oil supplements and stay healthy without upsetting your taste buds.

Substituting olive oil or canola oil for vegetable oil and butter is another simple way to help lower your cholesterol. Instead of baking a cake using the traditional vegetable oil or butter, using canola oil will work just as well and still taste great. Also, eating walnuts, almonds and other nuts is an effective way to help lower your LDL and raise your HDL, also known as your good cholesterol. Be careful, though. Nuts are naturally high in calories so just a handful a day will do.

Exercising is not only a great way to lower your cholesterol, but a wonderful way to stay in shape and to help maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can sometimes increase the LDL in your blood and raises your chance for heart disease. Taking a walk in the evening, running on the treadmill, or taking a refreshing swim are just a few ways to exercise and help keep your cholesterol down.

Would you like a spot of tea? Green tea is a tasty, health conscious alternative to sugary juices and sodas. Studies have shown that compounds found in green tea actually reduced LDL cholesterol levels in humans by 4.5%. Also, if you smoke, now might be the time to consider quitting. Smoking lowers your levels of HDL cholesterol and puts you at greater risk for heart disease and lung cancer.

Support from family and friends is important in every aspect of life and high cholesterol is no exception. If you eat with them often, discuss your diet and how to lower your cholesterol will make you healthier. Inform them of your struggles and they will be sure to help you make the small changes in your life to help lower your cholesterol.