Blood Cholesterol is produced by our body for certain functions. But the problem arises when it is produced more than is required by the body. Generally the cholesterol becomes high when our diet is rich in saturated fats (only found in animal products). In adults, a blood cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl is considered to be desirable.
Cholesterol can be both good and bad. Of the two types of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol is known as "bad cholesterol" as it gets deposited on the walls of the arteries (plaque), thus restricting the flow of the blood. The HDL cholesterol, known as the "good cholesterol" helps remove the plaque from the arteries. High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
The following are the desirable levels of cholesterol in adults:
Total Cholesterol: below 200 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol: less than 130 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: more than 35mg/dL
HDL cholesterol of less than 35mg/dL is a risk factor for heart disease, even if your total cholesterol is within limits. It should be noted that the HDL / LDL cholesterol ratio is more important than the individual values of LDL and HDL cholesterols.
Both LDL and HDL cholesterol can be improved with regular exercise and eating low fat cholesterol friendly foods.
Reduce Cholesterol
To reduce cholesterol, you must understand the complete facts about cholesterol. It will help you take better care of your heart, reducing your risk of heart attack.
Cholesterol can be reduced or controlled by eating cholesterol friendly foods, by eating low-fat and low cholesterol foods, and by remaining physically active. There are several natural heart friendly foods that are good for lowering cholesterol without any medication.
Lower Cholesterol with Heart Friendly Foods & Recipes Know the complete details on how to reduce cholesterol. You have a choice of over 175 low fat recipes with heart & cholesterol friendly ingredients to reduce or control your cholesterol. You can use this even if you are on cholesterol medication.
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