Can walking help lower bad cholesterol?

Cholesterol has "good" and "bad types". Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is also known as "bad" cholesterol. This is the cholesterol type that can cause plaque, clot your arterial walls and cause other health concerns.

Walking can both increase and decrease cholesterol levels. As a form of physical activity, walking is considered a moderate intensity aerobic activity. Walking decreases "bad" cholesterol and increases "good" cholesterol levels when done at the correct intensity.

Since walking is proven to have the lowest drop out rate of all physical activities, is convenient, and low cost, it is the preferred physical activity for obtaining beneficial cholesterol levels.   

Walking is one of the simplest ways to improve your cholesterol. Regular walkers have higher levels of healthy high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. They also have fewer heart attacks and strokes. Plus, walking has the highest stick-to-it rate of any exercise.

All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and you can walk just about anywhere, anytime. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week (more is even better). For the most cholesterol-lowering benefits, keep up a brisk pace—fast enough that you're slightly breathless but still able to carry on a conversation.

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Cholesterol has both good cholesterol, HDL, and bad cholesterol, LDL. Walking has been shown to help decrease your LDL, and increase your HDL. That result is very promising and with the ease and convenience of walking, you are sure to benefit and achieve results you want.