When your goal is maximum health, it is important to know your numbers. For instance, you want to know that your blood pressure is around 120/80 and your weight should be in a healthy range as well. Another number that you want to keep an eye on is your cholesterol.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is located within your cells. Some cholesterol is made by your body, but you can also ingest it by the foods that you choose to eat. The goal is to maintain a certain level so that you enjoy health without putting your health, and your life, in jeopardy.
To better understand this, you must first know that there are two types of cholesterol – “good” and “bad.” Good cholesterol, or HDL, is able to take the cholesterol in your cells and transport it to your liver, an organ that helps remove it. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, tends to stay put, threatening to clog your arteries and causing you big problems with your health.
How to Work Out Your Cholesterol
One way to keep your cholesterol levels within a healthy range is to take medication. This will help reduce your cholesterol quickly if you’re in a dangerous range and don’t have time to let lifestyle changes take effect.
If you do have time, though, there are some things you can and should do on your own to lower your cholesterol levels. Here are some options:
- Eat cholesterol lowering foods like oatmeal, fish, nuts, and fibre-containing fruits and veggies.
- Limit or eliminate foods that contain saturated fat, like butter, chips, and desserts.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink green tea.
- If you smoke, quit.
These are just a few things that will help you work out your cholesterol levels.
Have you ever had an issue with your cholesterol? If so, how did you lower it?
