High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the
good kind of cholesterol. HDL helps clear the bad cholesterol,
low-density lipoproteins (LDL), from your blood and
helps keep it from clogging your arteries. High levels of HDL (60 or above) can
protect you from a heart attack.
HDL cholesterol Best | 60 or higher protects against heart disease |
Good | 40 or higher |
Bad | Below 40 |
Changes in the way you live can raise your good kind of
cholesterol. Things you can do to help raise your HDL levels include:
- Exercise regularly. Examples include brisk walks,
jogging, cycling, or swimming laps.
- Lose weight if you are
overweight.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat healthy foods especially
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, peas, beans, and
fish.
- Avoid packaged snack foods and bakery
items.
- Drink no more than one or two alcohol drinks a day.
