The fact that you are reading this article just about guarantees that you're not a regular at the fast food drive-thru window. And if you have ever smoked, you probaly gave it up a long time ago. Good thing, too. These behaviors are tantamount to a one-way ticket to the doctor's office.
At this point, most of us are suffciently informed about the basics of cholesterol and it's two main types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It may also not be ground-breaking news to you that it is important not only to reduce LDL levels if they are found to be high, but that there must also be a type of balance between both kinds in order to maintain as healthy a heart as possible. By finding this harmonious relationship between "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol, you may be saving your heart from numerous problems in the future.
So where do you start? How can you determine if your heart is "good" cholesterol friendly? Before anything, a discussion with your doctor may help, especially if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Then you must keep in mind that there is more than one contributing factor in this heart-healthy equation so you will need to look at a number of things. Roger Mason, the author of Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs, gives readers a few questions to consider. How much exercise do you get everyday? Do you drink alcohol? Do you drink Coffee? Do you smoke cigarettes? If you find that you are someone who exercises very little and has a fondness for alcohol, coffee and cigarettes, you may want to make changes in your nutritional routine.
According to Mason, studies have shown that, "A single bout of walking has the potential to acutley affect the blood lipid profile of premenopausal as well as postmenopausal women." As for men, other studies have produced similar results, concluding that, "A single session of exercise performed by untrained hypercholestermic men alters blood lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations." No matter wheater you are a male or female, that walk to the corner store or jog on the treadmill can have significant impact. You read it right, just one session.
If you happen to be a fan of alcohol, don't fret too furiously. In the advisory, "The Truth About Women and Heart Disease," distributed by the National Heart Foundation (NHF), studies show that, "Those who consumer one or two alcoholic drinks per day lowered their risk of a stroke by a whopping 45%." However, the NHF does remind readers that the key to this lifestyle is moderation, and should be well regulated.
As for a diet that can help balance your cholesterol levels, foods and beverages can play a crucial role in potentially setting your heart up for failure. The author of The Fat Flush Foods, Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S., C.N.S., informs readers about some of the best "cholesterol Zappers" to eat. Her laundry list of items looks something like this: lemons, salmons, broccoli, tomatoes, cranberries, spelt, zucchini, almonds, whey protein, flaxseeds, sweet potatoes, jicama, and olive oil. Garlic, too, is a legendary heart-healthy food.
