Good cholesterol, or HDL (high density lipoproteins), is the substance found in the bloodstream that helps carry excess bad cholesterol, or LDL (low density lipoproteins) through the bloodstream and into the liver where it can be re-used.

In many cases, HDL may carry up to one-third of the total cholesterol content found within the blood stream.

If there is a shortage of good cholesterol, then the capability of removing excess bad cholesterol is reduced.

The question of how to improve good cholesterol can be answered a number of different ways.

Well Balanced Diet

If you're wondering how to improve good cholesterol, then one way that you can do so is by becoming more conscientious about what you eat.

Foods that are high in saturated fats should be eliminated because they essentially raise the amount of LDL, or bad cholesterol, which is present in the blood.

This in turn reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol, which is exactly what you don't want.

Instead, try to stick to a healthier diet.

A healthy diet will consist of fruits, vegetables, minimal amounts of meats, nuts, whole grain foods, soy based products, fish, and other heart healthy foods.

Consider adding natural supplements to your diet to improve good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Regular Exercise

A routine exercise program that consists of 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity is another great answer to the question of how to improve good cholesterol levels.

Consistent aerobic exercise will help reduce the level of LDL cholesterol that is present in the bloodstream and will also increase the level of HDL cholesterol.

The result of a good exercise program is a decreased risk of heart disease and other heart related issues.

Add More Fiber To Your Diet

Fiber can also increase HDL cholesterol counts and decrease LDL cholesterol within your bloodstream.

Consider eating more foods that are high in fiber such as oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and more.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol within the blood stream, not to mention the fact that it can also cause high blood pressure and other heart related issues.

Smoking is also a leading cause of lung cancer and other upper respiratory complications so it is a very unhealthy habit that should be kicked all together for the sake of your own health as well as the health of others around you.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Consuming too much alcohol can effectively reduce the amount of HDL cholesterol and increase the amount of LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.

Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum is another answer to the question of how to improve good cholesterol levels.

If you are ready to action how to improve good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol and significantly improving your heart health, then visit my website today for quality information to guide you to success.

Mary Ruddy is a former high cholesterol sufferer, from a family with a history of heart disease, and has successfully achieved perfect cholesterol levels, reversing and eliminating the risk of heart disease, and is a strong advocate of natural health care. Mary enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily at: http://www.curing-cholesterol.com/

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HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol that helps remove excess bad cholesterol (LDL) from the bloodstream, which in turn reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

There are number of strategies that can be used to improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally.

A low HDL level for men is one that is below 40 mg/dL, and for women a low HDL level is one that is below 50 mg/dL.

The level for women is higher because they produce estrogen which aides in the production of HDL.

Good HDL levels are considered to be above 60 mg/dL, which means that there is an optimal amount of HDL cholesterol for eliminating excess LDL from the bloodstream.

If your HDL level is lower than the recommended level, then there are a number of things you can do to improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally.

One thing that you can do is to try to lose weight. This will achieve a number of different things including a reduction in the level of LDL cholesterol that is present in your body, as well as increase the HDL count.

The other obvious benefit of losing weight is the increased satisfaction and self-confidence that you will have in yourself when you get rid of the extra pounds.

Exercise is another great strategy that can help you increase your HDL levels naturally.

Aerobic exercise when performed on a regular basis for 20 to 30 minutes can help burn excess fat and calories and get the heart rate up in order to increase blood and oxygen flow to the muscles and other organs in the body.

Another strategy that can help improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally is to eliminate foods that contain trans fat, saturated fats, and other harmful substances that can increase LDL cholesterol and reduce HDL cholesterol levels.

When foods that contain these types of substances are eliminated from your diet, HDL levels are improved.

To ensure success, consider adding natural supplements to your diet. They are extremely successful at raising HDL levels while lowering LDL.

Stopping the bad habit of smoking is also a great way to improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally.

Not only does quitting smoking help improve HDL counts, but it eliminates the many other health risks that are associated with smoking.

An overall reduction in alcohol is another valuable strategy that can help improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally.

It is recommended that men consume no more than one or two drinks per day, and women consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

If you are ready to improve HDL cholesterol levels naturally as well as lower LDL levels thus improving your heart health, then visit my website today for quality information to guide you to success.

Mary Ruddy is a former high cholesterol sufferer, from a family with a history of heart disease, and has successfully achieved perfect cholesterol levels, reversing and eliminating the risk of heart disease, and is a strong advocate of natural health care. Mary enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily at: http://www.curing-cholesterol.com/

View the original article here