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Good Cholesterol
 There is something beautiful in every day
The good cholesterol level is the one that does not allow the cholesterol in our bodies to buildup in our arteries. It is the most important component that we need to zero in on. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) is the value of our total cholesterol reading that should always be higher than 50mg/dl. If the level is 60mg/dl, then it may protect us from coronary artery disease.
All of us need to increase our activity level to protect our heart. Did you know that exercise increase HDL as well? HDL actually scrubs the blood vessels of cholesterol that clogs our arteries. The best medicine that we can take to elevate the number of High Density Lipoproteins is available over the counter and is Niacin.
Foods that will increase this cardiac protective number include olive, peanut and canola oils. These monounsaturated oils, along with foods high in soluble fiber, help elevate the amount of HDL in the blood. Foods such as salmon and mackerel are sources of omega 3 which is essential to add to our diet as well. Alcohol, in moderation, also helps increase HDL.
Medications that help increase HDL are Lofibra, Tricol and Lopid. It has been found that the Statin drugs do not help increase HDL. Losing weight also has been known to increase HDLs. Avoid foods that cause the bad cholesterol (LDLs) to build up the plaque in our arteries. These are foods high in partially or unsaturated fat. Avoid using butter, creams, fatty meats which increase the bad cholesterol while increasing the odds that we will succumb to a heart attack or a stroke.
Good cholesterol refers to the one measurement of our Cholesterol that is essential to managing our cardiac health. It is termed "good cholesterol” since it acts to protect our heart and brain from dire consequences.
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