Understand Cholesterol

• 1). There are actually different types of cholesterol. The two most important for this discussion are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
  
  
• 2). LDL is often referred to has "bad cholesterol" because it is the type of cholesterol that stocks to arterial walls, leading to coronary heart disease. HDL is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because that type of cholesterol actually helps clear LDL from the arteries.
  
  As such, a successful plan to beat cholesterol will include steps to lower LDL and raise HDL.
  
  
• 3). Diet and genetics are the two main influences on cholesterol levels. Other factors that contribute to bodily levels of cholesterol are tobacco usage, activity level, weight, age, race and having certain diseases like diabetes.
  
  

Take Steps to Improve Cholesterol Levels

• 1). Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking reduces HDL, which means more LDL sticks to the arteries. This single lifestyle change can decrease your risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 50 percent.
  
  
• 2). Exercise more. Burning around 1200 extra calories a week through aerobic exercise and/or weigh training can reduce LDL levels from 5 to 19 percent, according to MSN Health and Fitness Editor Martica Heaner.
  
  
• 3). Change your diet. Our bodies naturally lower the amount of cholesterol produced in response to high cholesterol foods being eaten. A diet full of saturated fats and trans fats can overwhelm this mechanism.
  
  Stick to a diet of minimally processed foods, meats low in saturated fat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. MSN Health and Fitness states that following these guidelines could reduce your LDL levels by as much as 20 percent.
  
  
• 4). Take medication. In cases where cholesterol cannot be brought to healthy levels through the previously mentioned actions, a doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication called statins.