We've realized in the past several years that the overall cholesterol number isn't nearly as important as breaking it down into LDL and HDL because the two have such different actions.
We remember it by first initials-L for lousy, H for healthy.
LDL cholesterol is short for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Exercising, losing even 10 pounds of weight, avoiding simple carbohydrates (avoid all white foods), and restricting saturated and trans fats to less than 20 grams a day will lower your LDL. You can lower the level of LDL cholesterol in several other ways, as well.
As you might guess, HDL cholesterol is short for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. You want as high an HDL level possible-at least greater than 40. You can increase your HDL by consuming healthy fats-found in olive oil, fish, and walnuts-walking (or any physical activity) for 30 minutes a day, taking a newer statin (such as Lipitor or Crestor), and having a drink of alcohol every night (seven on Saturday night doesn't count). You can boost your level of HDL cholesterol in other ways, as well.
We've realized in the past several years that the overall
cholesterol number isn't nearly as important as breaking it down
into LDL and HDL because the two have such different actions. We
remember it by first initials-L for lousy, H for healthy....
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:We've realized in the past several years that the overall cholesterol number isn't nearly as important as breaking it down into LDL and HDL because the two have such different actions.
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