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Cholesterol
Factors
that affect Blood Cholesterol
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Soluble Fiber
Foods
high in these fibers help to lower cholesterol. Good sources
include: Oats, beans, fruits and vegetables. |
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Aerobic
Exercise
Regular
exercise helps to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. If you are
sedentary, aim for brisk 30-minute walks three to five times/week.
Check with your physician first, especially if you have any known
health problems. |
Fat
Distribution
It is well-established that
having an "apple shape", in which fat collects around the
waist, is more dangerous than having a "pear shape" in which
fat gravitates to the hips and thighs. |
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Excess
Weight
Excess
body fat not only raises total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol)
levels, but it also reduces HDL (good cholesterol). |
Smoking
Smoking raises your cholesterol levels the way
saturated fats do by promoting the development of fatty deposits in
the arteries. |
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Saturated
Fat
Experts Recommend that we consume no more than 30%of
our day's calories from fat and no more than 10% from saturated fats.
The primary sources of saturated fat in our diet come from red meat,
whole milk, cheese and butter. |
Trans Fats
The primary sources of these fats come from stick
margarine's, packaged crackers, cookies and other sweets as well as
french fries and other deep fat fried fast foods. |
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