Eat Certain Foods

• By simply adding certain foods to your diet, HDL levels can be increased. Omega-3 fats aid in increasing HDL levels, and these are found in cold water fish, including tuna, mackerel, herring, halibut and salmon. Get more fiber in your diet by eating apples, prunes, oranges, cranberries, avocados, oatmeal, oat bran, barley, beans, raw white and yellow onions and macadamia nuts. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, eaten in moderation can be consumed daily. Cook using olive oil.
  
  

Drink Certain Beverages

• Drink several cups of brewed green tea a day--not instant or in a pre-mixed bottle. Although doctors recommend no more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men and one for women, red wine is an antioxidant and also reduces blood sugar levels and blood pressure. According to a study from Boston University School of Medicine, grape juice also significantly increases HDL.
  
  

Take Supplements

• It's not always possible to get all your nutrients from food. Daily vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements can provide another source. Coenzyme Q-10 and omega-3 supplements work together to increase HDL. Vitamin B complex can help, along with the minerals calcium and magnesium. A garlic supplement, as well as eating fresh garlic, may raise "good" cholesterol levels while reducing blood pressure. Garlic also has antioxidant properties. Other beneficial supplements to try are N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).
  
  

Avoid Harmful Foods

• Just as important as eating the right foods is avoiding certain foods that are high in cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats. Limit or eliminate the consumption of deep-fried foods, whole-fat dairy products, fast foods and foods that contain partially or fully hydrogenated oils (often found in commercial baked goods, margarines and other processed foods).
  
  

Exercise

• Aerobic exercise raises HDL levels, and it has additional benefits, such as maintaining weight, improving strength and supporting cardiovascular health.