Paying attention to our cholesterol levels is extremely important. Too much cholesterol within our blood stream can have a variety of negative consequences, seriously increasing our risk of heart disease. To learn how to keep your cholesterol levels low, continue reading this article. Throughout the article we will discuss the difference between good and bad cholesterol, as well as how fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your cholesterol levels.

Let's begin by learning the difference between good and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol, also known as 'HDL cholesterol' (high density lipoprotein), is necessary for our bodies. HDL cholesterol helps carry out many bodily functions such as the production of cell membranes and hormones. Bad cholesterol, on the other hand, can block our arteries leading to increased risk of high blood pressure, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. This type of cholesterol is call 'LDL cholesterol' (low density lipoprotein) and is what we want to cut out of our diet as much as possible.

If you want to reduce your bad cholesterol, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a good place to start. Fruits and vegetables help to reduce our total fat intake, reduce our cholesterol intake, and increase our fiber intake, each of which is important to lowering levels. Let's take a brief look at each of these more in depth.

Fruits and vegetables first help us to reduce our cholesterol levels by reducing our intake of fats and cholesterols. Fruits and vegetables are very low in fats and cholesterols, allowing us to eat large portions, without having to worry about dangerous side effects. To reduce fats and cholesterols within your diet, focus on eating more fruits and vegetables and less meats, dairy products, and processed foods/oils.

Another way to lower your cholesterol levels is by including more starches and fibers within your diet. Fibers not only help to lower your cholesterol levels, but also help to reduce your risk of cancer, obesity, and other serious illnesses and diseases. How does fiber help to lower cholesterol levels? Fiber helps to remove cholesterol out of our bodies before it has the chance to reach our bloodstream. Fruits and vegetables are very high in fiber, allowing us to significantly reduce our cholesterol levels.

If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, the most important thing that you can do is start maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Eating larger portions of fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce your cholesterol levels by reducing your fat and cholesterol intake and increasing your fiber intake.

While fruits and vegetables are important for every diet, they are not the only foods that are necessary for healthy functioning. Whole grains are another category of food that significantly impacts our health. To learn more about the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, continue searching the internet. The more informed you are about healthy dieting, the more likely you are to prevent yourself from developing a wide range of future illnesses and diseases.

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