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Six Steps to Raise Good Cholesterol Levels

By: cannfong


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You know all about bad cholesterol and its effects, that it can cause heart attacks or strokes if left unchecked. But what is this good cholesterol you keep hearing about? High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL is the good guy of cholesterol. If you've ever seen a commercial for Scrubbing Bubbles replace soap scum for bad cholesterol (LDL) and you have a pretty good idea of what HDL does inside your veins and arteries. So how can you increase the level of your good cholesterol? We have compiled six tips to help you do just that.
Get Active: To create more HDL, you are going to have to start exercising for at least thirty minutes a day. This does not mean joining a class or becoming a regular at the gym. It is more important to choose an activity that will raise your heartbeat, but that you can do for longer periods of time. Take walks, ride your bike, pick something that you enjoy. That way you can say you're having fun, not exercising. This will also trim down your waistline.
Diet: Add more dark green vegetables to your diet. While you're at it avoid trans or saturated fats as researchers believe these increase your LDL. Eat more pure protein like fish or skinless chicken. Whole wheats are your friend, because they are loaded with simple carbohydrates.
Drink Moderately: An alcoholic beverage a day may help to keep the doctor away. The long standing belief that you had to consume red wine is being challenged as scientists attempt to prove any alcohol can have beneficial properties on the heart.
Stop Smoking: Need another reason to quit? How about this, by giving up tobacco a smoker automatically raises their HDL?
Eliminate Stress: Stress is called the silent killer for good reason. A positive relationship has been shown connecting stress to heart disease in the past. This does not speak directly to cholesterol, but why take chances while the science is being done? Stop to smell the roses more, leave work at work. Do something nice for your partner. This will help you to live a longer, happier life.
Get More Sleep: Your body uses sleep to repair itself from the ravages of the day. Make sure you get a solid eight hours every night to eliminate physical stress from the body. Just like mental stress, physical stress affects your health negatively. Think of your body like a car and sleep as your 50, 000 mile tune-up.

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