You might have heard about cholesterol when you visit the doctor’s office; they pay extra attention to its level and always ask their patients to be mindful of what they are eating since cholesterol can get you into trouble if you eat too less or too much of it. Cholesterol is a compound that is basically defined as a waxy, fat-like substance that is made in the liver and travels into the blood vessels with the help of blood.
There are two kinds of cholesterol: Low-density lipids and High-Density Lipids. While HDL is important for regulating hormones, cell health, and more, it is the LDL that causes the problem as it accumulates in the blood vessels resulting in a disruption in the blood flow, which can lead to heart problems and eventually myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
So, doctors recommend that you closely monitor your diet and include foods that are rich in HDL and not LDL. So, here are some ways you can lower your cholesterol levels and protect your heart.
1. Go For A Walk
Did you know that a simple brisk walk of 15 to 20 minutes can drastically improve your heart health and lower your chances of developing heart problems? Yes, that is the magic of walking; it helps you get moving and improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, which helps your body in battling the demon that LDL is. According to WebMD, exercising for only two and a half hours per week can raise HDL and improve triglycerides and LDL.
2. Clean Out the Pantry
The best way to lower cholesterol is to monitor its intake, once you start watching what you eat, you’ll only get an idea about your eating habits, but it will also promote mindful eating. So, doctors recommend getting rid of margarine or shortenings or anything that is made from these products as they are loaded with LDL. You can replace these with either butter, olive oil, or avocado oil which tastes almost the same and give your food the boost it needs.
3. Add Whole Foods to Your Diet
Whole foods and fruits are recommended to anyone who is looking for a healthier lifestyle because they are full of nutrients and they come with lots of fiber which basically works as a barrier and protects your body from absorbing any of that dangerous cholesterol. So, you can start by introducing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and products made from whole grains to give your body an adequate amount of nutrition and soluble fiber.
LDL is a root cause of a serious problem that many people overlook, these changes are small and hard to notice, but they can turn your lifestyle into a healthy one.
