By Suzana Proven Tips To Reducing LDL Levels
Reducing LDL levels in the body is important, since this type of cholesterol is closely associated with cardiovascular heart diseases, strokes and other health conditions. This can be achieved through various ways which may include the following.
a. Avoid saturated fats: Saturated fats, for example shortenings, margarine and hardened fats, should be avoided completely, as they raise the levels of bad cholesterol (Low density lipoproteins-LDL) in the body. It is recommended that one consumes unsaturated oils which are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This helps in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. Also, avoid trans fats as they increase LDL while decreasing HDL, trans fats result from fat hydrogenation and are usually found in fried foods. Avoid all fried foods, no matter how good they taste.
b. Eat more fiber: Fiber is a complex carbohydrate which, when it is broken down for energy, it does not give hundred percent of calories. It is good in reducing bad cholesterol in the body by absorbing cholesterol in the digestive tract and removes it from the system. Fiber is also rich in antioxidants which are important in lowering bad cholesterol in the body. The soluble fibers are present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. More of these foods in the diet are important in dealing with bad cholesterol. Avoid foods that have refined and processed grains.
c. Incorporate fish in your diet: They are rich in cholesterol lowering omega-3-fatty acids which is an essential nutrient. The omega-3-fatty acids discourage bad cholesterol from regrouping and accumulating the body. Other plants such as flaxseeds, canola, soy beans contain omega-3-fatty acids.
d. Take green tea: This type of tea is rich in components (flavonoids) that help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Therefore, its consumption is encouraged, as opposed to other types of tea, if you want to lower your LDL.
e. Don’t smoke: When you smoke, the amount of good cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein-HDL) is reduced drastically. HDL is required by the body as it helps to remove LDL from the body through the liver. With smoking, the important good cholesterol will be less and increase your LDL, which is a very negative health factor.
f. Occasionally take alcohol: By drinking alcohol, HDL is increased and this good cholesterol is important in removing LDL from the body. No more than one glass of red wine per day is recommended.
g. Exercise: Exercising is very important in reducing LDL level in the body. Aerobics, such as running, cycling, jogging and swimming helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. Other exercises such as yoga, walking and weight resistance exercises will help in reducing the levels of LDL. Therefore, it is highly recommended that people keep moving around and staying active.
h. Lose weight: Being overweight may result in an increase in bad cholesterol, by losing excess weight you will lower your levels of bad cholesterol and increase HDL. But it is important to note that one may add weight if strict dietary guidelines are followed.
i. Other substances such as statins, cholesterol inhibitors and bile acid sequestrates can be used in reducing LDL levels in the body.