low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, has serious health risks. Professionals in the health and nutrition field advise people with high cholesterol not to just lower your LDL cholesterol but also boost your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level in order to keep the level balanced. This will avoid the buildup of plaque in the arteries Which contributes to serious health condition like heart attack.



What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that human body requires in order to produce hormones as well as cell membranes. The body tends to produce the amount of cholesterol it requires. However, we tend to stuff it with extra cholesterol via eating foods high in saturated fats including eggs, meat, high fat dairy and meat. Some people also have the tendency known as a genetic disposition to high cholesterol. This means that food is really not an issue here.

high cholesterol contributes to the formation of a hard substance called plaque in the arteries that can actually block the flow of blood. Blood flow through veins is disturbed by build up of plaque. This makes the heart work harder thereby increasing the risk of stroke and heart diseases.

Here are some effective tips on minimizing cholesterol levels in your body:

a) Stop smoking:

This is very important because smoking tends to reduce HDL levels in your blood. HDL or high density level cholesterol is good cholesterol and ensures healthy arteries. The lower the HDL, greater the risk of heart diseases. Smoking tends to increase blood clots in your body. Hence, if you smoke, quit immediately.

b) Stay physically active:

lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for many diseases and sickness. The American Heart Association supports 30 minutes of physical activities. You can start with less, if you cannot do the recommended and slowly increase the activity as you go. Regular exercise will increase HDL and also keep a check on your weight and blood pressure.

c) Medication:

Medication is always possible. You need to visit a health care practitioner in order to lower your cholesterol. Your doctor may advice some medications and some lifestyle and diet changes.

Dietary tips to lower your cholesterol:

a) Plan a menu:

It is crucial to plan a menu for a full week in advance in order to make sure it is totally free of cholesterol. You need to focus on supplementing it with fruits and vegetables full of fibers. It is recommended to eat organic foods because they are made without conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers which means they more healthier than non-organic foods. You also need to use complex carbohydrates of premium standards.

b) No egg yolks:

If you have higher cholesterol in your body, its wise to avoid egg yolks and focus more on eating egg whites.

c) Use whole wheat:

Use of whole wheat to prepare food and cereals. These are very effective in reducing levels of cholesterol.

d) Refined sugar:

Avoid refined sugar as this contains a good amount of chemicals for processing it. Unrefined sugar does not harm your health a lot.

e) Water:

You need to drink a lot of water. It also helps with digestion and maintain balance levels of cholesterol.

f) Stay away from soft drinks:

Remember that all soft drinks made commercially contain good amounts of additives, sugar and artificial colors. These can result in higher cholesterol.

Follow the above mentioned tips and you will easily be able to bring your cholesterol level to balance.