Eating your way to Lower Cholesterol

by Shauna Hanus

	Web www.buydietfood.com

LDL cholesterol, low density lipoproteins is also known as bad fat.  HDL cholesterol high density lipoproteins is also known as good fat.  If you have been searching for ways to lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol you will find these 11 tips helpful and easy to implement.

Does it feel like every time you turn on the TV you see a commercial for the latest drug to lower your LDL cholesterol, that is low density lipoproteins?  With Americans eating on the run, partaking in fast food and prepackaged convenience foods our levels of HDL (high density lipoproteins) has dropped and our levels of LDL (low density lipoproteins) has risen.  It is no wonder that drug companies are competing for your business to buy the latest and greatest LDL lowering medication.

The problem with turning to medication to lower your LDL and raise your HDL is drugs are manufactured.  Our bodies strive on healthy food and healthy lifestyles.  Medications are a beneficial part of life when it comes to antibiotics and other miracle drugs.  However we are working against our bodies when we do not eat healthy and exercise.

If you want to lower your LDL and raise your HDL start with diet and exercise.  Here are 11 ways you can eat your way to lower LDL and higher HDL.

1. Turn to whole wheat; eat whole wheat breads, crackers and pitas instead of processed white bread.  Whole wheat works with your body to remove LDL cholesterol.

2. Eat more salmon; salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids.  Good fat, that lowers LDL cholesterol levels and raises HDL cholesterol levels.

3. Stay away from Trans fats. Processed foods like margarine and shortening contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil which is a Trans fat.  Trans fats raise your LDL cholesterol and lower your HDL cholesterol.

4. Go nuts.  Eat plenty of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews and pecans.  Nuts are high in good fats that help raise your HDL cholesterol level.  If you eat peanut butter buy organic or natural peanut butter that does not contain any Trans fats.  The processed peanut butters can actually raise your LDL cholesterol and lower your HDL cholesterol.

5. Cut back on dessert.  When you do eat dessert choose healthy choices like pears with honey or Jell-O.  If you choose fruit as a dessert you will be eating food that does not contain cholesterol therefore you will be lowering your intake of LDL cholesterol.

6. Eat fiber.  Choose foods that are high in fiber such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables.  High fiber foods help to remove LDL cholesterol from your body while raising HDL cholesterol. 

7. Grill your meat.  Grilling allows the fat to drain off your meat which in turn lowers your LDL cholesterol. 

8. Make your own salad dressing.  A simple dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar will have help to lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol levels.

9. Remember and Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants and fiber which help to raise your levels of HDL cholesterol and lower your levels of LDL cholesterol.

10. Avoid fast food.  Fast food is notorious for raising LDL cholesterol levels.  Avoid fast food and help to avoid the possibility of raising your LDL cholesterol levels.

11. Go for the spice.  Spices are an excellent way to flavor food and help your emotional transition to a healthier eating style. 

Now that you are armed with the knowledge of a few easy to follow food changes and simple exercise you can take charge of your LDL cholesterol levels and your HDL cholesterol levels. 

Shauna Hanus is a work at home mother that discovered after having children she had gone from a slender size 8 to a size 16.  Once she decided to do something about her weight she began to tell others what she has learned.  Shauna’s site http://www.buydietfood.com is dedicated to real people who want to lose weight and lead a healthy life style.  Shauna offers tips on weight loss, healthy diets and guides you through selecting a diet that will work for you.  Visit http://www.buydietfood.com to see how you can start leading a healthy active life today.