Diet and Cholesterol Levels

Good cholesterol contributes to a healthy heart, as opposed to bad cholesterol, which can mean coronary disease. Although it is similar in composition to fats, cholesterol is not considered to be a fat. LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, where fatty tissues build up and narrow blood vessels. This can cause a heart attack or angina.

The heart is protected by HDL, which is known as "good" cholesterol. As researchers say, the HDL carries the cholesterol away from the arteries, to the liver, where it is eventually passed from the body. They even suggest that HDL removes extra plaque from the arteries.

With a monthly blood test, you will find the level of LDL and HDL in your body.

A healthy cholesterol level is below 200. If the test results are 200 or above, you need to take action to raise your level of good cholesterol and lower the level of the bad; start eating right, get off the couch and possibly take a cholesterol lowering medication.

Also, your doctor will probably encourage you to stop smoking. Because your body may naturally create higher than normal levels of cholesterol, possibly to heredity, you may require medication indefinitely. Either way, drugs like Lipitor and Crestor can help, because they reduce the level of bad cholesterol in your body, and they won't cause you to become addicted to the medication.

A balanced diet should include healthy food, like fruits and veggies and breads and cereals made from whole grains. Avoid having food with high cholesterol content, which includes eggs, shellfish, shrimp and liver. Use vegetable oil, rather than unsaturated fats during cooking; and drink skim milk rather than whole milk. Choose cuts of meat without large amounts of fat on them, like chicken breasts, and make sure you only eat a fist-sized portion. Successful diets often involve eating smaller portions. Being on a diet doesn't necessarily mean starving yourself. If you follow the low-fat, non dairy plan, it is OK to have 3 or 4 meals a day with small portions of food.

Last, lower your cholesterol level through physical activity. Bad cholesterol can be decreased and good cholesterol increased just by exercising for 30 minutes a day. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a blood test if you don't know your cholesterol level. It's beneficial not only to your health, but also your heart.

Author Darrell Knox writes on a broad range of topics and has been contributing articles for the internet audience for the last six years. cholesterol-protection.com lowering high cholesterol