1/3 to 1/2 of all Americans have abnormal blood cholesterol levels; only a small percentage of these individuals are taking medications to improve their cholesterol.
Cholesterol is produced by the liver and obtained in the diet.
High density lipoprotein (HDL) is know as the "good" cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) is know as the "bad" cholesterol.
Total cholestrol of 200 or less is considered ideal for most people. LDL is considered optimal below 100 and a LDL of 160 is high. A HDL value of less than 40 may be considered low and a risk factor for heart disease. HDL of over 60 may offer protection against HD.
Genetics, diet, physical activity level, %body fat and distribution, stress, age, gender and unknown factors determine blood cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle Factors That Decrease LDL Cholesterol
*increase physical activity level
*decrease dietary saturated and hydrogenated fat
*decrease dietary cholesterol
*increase dietary soluble fiber and soy
*decrease percent body fat
*manage stress effectively
*control diabetes
Lifestyle Factors that Increase HDL
*increase physical activity level
*increase percent body fat
*quit smoking
*decrease blood triglyceride levels
*increase mono and polyunsaturated fat intake
*reduce simple and refined carbohydrates
Consult the following links for more information: http://www.americanheart.org/. http://www.eatright.org/, http://www.cancer.org/
some of the above information provided by The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX,'05
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