Cholesterol is extremely important for overall health and the promotion of longevity. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is good for you and lowers your risk of heart disease and heart attack. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is bad for you because it accumulates in your arteries, forming a plaque that narrows the arteries. This plaque makes it difficult for blood to flow to the heart and brain. This can cause heart disease and stroke. Many strategies to raise HDL cholesterol simultaneously lower LDL cholesterol.
Tips and Warnings
- The normal total cholesterol is less then 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol is considered high if it exceeds 240 mg/dl.
- Consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise or diet program.
References
- Mayoclinic.com: High Blood Cholesterol
- What is a Normal Cholesterol Level?
- "What Should I Eat?" by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, 1995
