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.
Kick the Habit: If you are a smoker you have one more reason to quit. By abstaining from tobacco you will receive a boost of HDL within your system.
Worry Less: Take the time to enjoy life more. Revel in the simple pleasures. Try to avoid getting caught up in meaningless drama. You will not only live longer, but those extra years will be happier. While it has not been directly linked to cholesterol directly, stress has been shown to adversely affect the heart.
Sleep More: Just as mental stress can affect your overall health, so to can physical stress. This comes from over working the body and not giving the cells enough of a chance to repair themselves. You should aim for at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
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