Keeping Cholesterol In Check

With today's trans fat and saturated fat laden diets out there, dangerous cholesterol levels are becoming increasingly common.

How can we keep our cholesterol levels in check? Here are a few tips:

1.) Eat HEALTHY fats. Taking in mono and polyunsaturated fats through diet helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). Some foods that contain mono and polyunsaturated fats:

-Nuts

-Olive Oil

-Avocado

-Wild Salmon

2.) Exercise!!!! Exercise stimulates the body to produce more HDL and lower LDL. Being leaner also helps in keeping LDL in check!

3.) RELAX!!! Higher levels of the stress hormone coritsol and adrenaline have been shown to raise LDL! Work on relaxation or meditation techniques to help keep your stress hormones down.

Here are a few numbers you can shoot for to impress your doctor on your next visit:

-Triglycerides: under 150 mg.

-Cholesterol: under 200 milligrams

-LDL: under 130 milligrams

-HDL: above 50 milligrams

Good luck and stay in good health!!

-Eric

FTNewtonville