A healthy level of HDL cholesterol guarantees protection against heart disease. HDL cholesterol is instrumental in controlling its bad cousin, LDL cholesterol. Let’s learn how to maintain a healthy HDL cholesterol level.

Simply put, we should do our best to enhance the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Cholesterol levels can be controlled using chemical intervention in the form of medicines. This is an emergency solution, not a long term solution. Natural, holistic therapies are preferred for cholesterol control. Cardiovascular exercise is the prime example of such therapy. This exercise improves the blood circulation. The improved blood circulation means firstly, more health and secondly, better elimination of harmful wastes like LDL cholesterol.

The generally held medical opinion is that thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day is sufficient to control bad cholesterol levels. Dr. Mercola thinks otherwise. He stresses the importance of exercise being exercise, not a form of relaxation. Exercise is beneficial to health only when we feel exerted. This can be done in two ways: either increase the stress level of the exercise, or increase its duration. He feels that the second option is the safer of the two. Simply jogging in the park for the stipulated thirty minutes is not going to do an iota of good for our cholesterol level, says Dr. Mercola. Extend the jog to an hour, and then you’ll experience an appreciable reduction of bad cholesterol. Whatever form of exercise you choose, just make sure you exercise regularly.

Cardiovascular exercise is your most formidable weapon against cardiovascular disease. Diet control is extremely important to reap the full benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Recognize that some types of fat are good for HDL cholesterol: these are mono-unsaturated fats, and omega-3 fats. Virgin olive oil is recommended for your health. Avoid canola oil, because though it is a mono-unsaturated fat it is generally obtained from genetically modified sources. Saturated fats are bad for the HDL cholesterol level.

Omega-3 fats are instrumental in raising good HDL cholesterol. Salmon and tuna are good natural sources of omega-3 fats, but you can get your dietary requirement through purified omega-3 supplements. Avoid margarine as completely as possible. Pastries and processed food treats which are sugary and fatty are bad for HDL cholesterol. Follow these simple guidelines and watch your HDL cholesterol bounce back to good healthy levels.

Next put your lifestyle under a scanner. Do you smoke? Cigarette smoking is turning out to be a bigger killer than originally thought. Stop it, immediately! Smoking smothers the HDL cholesterol in the blood. Are you obese? Obesity aids and abets the malefic HDL cholesterol. Follow regular workouts specially designed to reduce obesity.

Modern life is very hectic. This leads to many stressful situations. Stress has an immediate effect on the cholesterol level in the blood. Stress management techniques are very helpful in keeping the cholesterol balance at a healthy level. Change your outlook on life to handle stressful situations safely. Consider a change of work environment for the sake of your health.

Cardiovascular exercise, dietary control, and lifestyle modification: these are the three important ways to a better cholesterol situation. Follow the steps we’ve put together for you and your risk of suffering heart disease will just fade away. Have a healthy, happy life!

Tags: Cholesterol

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