Learning How to Raise HDL Can Be a Very Important Step in Reducing High Cholesterol

Learning how to raise HDL should be an important part of any plan to reduce blood cholesterol. HDL stands for high density lipoproteins and density is what makes it such a dynamo in the world of cholesterol reduction. High density lipoproteins (HDL) assist in helping your body get rid of waxy cholesterol though solid waste. Think of these tiny fellow as scavenge cells vigilantly keeping watch, just waiting to pounce on that pesky cholesterol before it can gain a foothold in the arteries.

Now that we are exciting about learning ways of how to raise cholesterol let's get down to business.

But before we get to that it would be irresponsible on me not to mention that both smoking and second hand smoke reduce good cholesterol levels faster than a ten dollar bill disappears at the local carnival, so if you are smoking now there has never been a better time to quit.

Just as smoking is awful for HDL exercise is great. According to a recently released study by the American Heart Association, exercise can alter your cholesterol levels, pushing up good HDL levels and reducing bad cholesterol.

One footnote to this smoking and exercise royal rumble is that despite both exercise and generally low saturated fat diets Asian countries where smoking has been on the rise in recent years have seen a dramatic increase in heart related illness. Sadly, it appears that when smoking and exercise get together, exercise gets knocked out almost every time.

Another idea on how to raise HDL is through diet modification techniques. There are a handful of foods and juices that should be including in any manual on how to raise HDL. Let's look at four of the best.

*Olive oil: The antioxidants in olive oil not only slightly elevate HDL but lower LDL as well. The FDA suggests using 2 tablespoons of olive oil daily to get its heart healthy benefits. Keep in mind that all oils have calories so moderation is key.

*Apples: There is good evidence to suggest that apples both reduce bad cholesterol and raise helpful good cholesterol. This assertion is supported by at least one recent University study.

*Grapes: The darker the skin the higher the benefit. Grape skins and pulp contain resveratrol, the flavonoid some credit with lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attack, and possible offering some protection against some forms of cancer.

*Cranberries: The same antioxidant properties found in grapes are also found in cranberries. One word of caution. Many cranberries juices have unhealthy amounts of refined sugar, so be sure to check the label before picking a heart healthy product.

Additionally, many natural health minded individuals are finding that how to raise HDL cholesterol can be accomplished safely and effectively through a powerful three way combination of diet, exercise, and lowered-cholesterol.com natural cholesterol reducing supplements.

Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of safe and effective high quality alternative health products and natural living, with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at purchaseremedies.com Purchase Remedies.com