Cholesterol became a buzz word in the medical community a number of years ago when studies showed that cholesterol level numbers can determine a lot about our general health and the risk for future problems. How to maintain a healthy cholesterol level is still something that is unfamiliar to many of us, as we attempt to sift our way through the mysteries of HDL, LDL, the cholesterol level scale and all the other complicated details concerning a healthy cholesterol level. By learning the basics of diet and exercise, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk for heart attack, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Are you ready to take command of your cholesterol level? Then read on to learn how you can reach a healthy cholesterol level and maintain it for the rest of your life.

How Cholesterol Relates to Your Diet

If you know your cholesterol level is high, the first thing you will want to change is your current diet. It's important to learn which types of foods increase cholesterol levels and which ones will aid in reducing it. The main thing you need to remember in regards to fat consumption is actually pretty simple. You will want to eat the "good" fats, cut down on the saturated fats and try to avoid the trans fats altogether. The "good" fats are found in foods that contain monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat and include natural foods such as peanuts, macadamia nuts, unbuttered popcorn, cereal, oatmeal, whole wheat foods, fish, bananas, sunflower seeds and avocados. By eating these types of foods, you can actually lower the risk of disease while maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. The foods to cut back on or avoid altogether are those containing higher levels of saturated fats and trans fats. Trans fats are not essential to the diet and can safely be eliminated. Some examples of trans fats include many types of fast foods, snack foods, fried foods and baked goods. Saturated fats are not as unhealthy as the trans fats, but you should try to reduce your intake of foods that have higher levels of saturated fats such as eggs, chocolate, cream, butter, lard, fatty meats, palm oil, and coconut oil. These types of foods will increase your risk of coronary disease as they raise the "bad" LDL cholesterol and lower the "good" HDL cholesterol level. So how do know what type of fat is in the food you eat? Simply read the labels on the food before you purchase it. The ingredient list printed on the package is required by the FDA to separately list the levels of the different types of fats that it contains.

How Exercising Can Promote Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Sure, everyone knows that regular exercise will help to keep the heart healthy and the muscles strong. But by exercising regularly you will also be helping to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can actually increase your "good" cholesterol levels, and by reaching a healthy weight, it can also lower your "bad" cholesterol. The best type of exercise involves a combination of different workouts which include aerobic activity, flexibility exercises and strength training. However, any increase in physical activity will be helpful, but at least 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity exercise is recommended to improve blood circulation, strengthen the heart and clear blood clots.

Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level really isn't as difficult as it sounds. By watching the foods that you eat and reading their labels, you will quickly learn which foods to cut down on or eliminate from your diet. Also, by increasing your physical activity by starting a daily 30 minute exercise plan, you will go a long way in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and achieving better overall physical health.