What is Cholesterol? | What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level? | 10 Tips for Lowering Cholesterol
September is Cholesterol Awareness Month and Stanley Subaru wants to share some information on cholesterol as well as 10 tips for lowering cholesterol, as outlined by the American Heart Association, found on WebMd.
About Cholesterol:
It may surprise you to know that cholesterol itself isn't bad. In fact, cholesterol is just one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. Some of the cholesterol we need is produced naturally (and can be affected by your family health history), while some of it comes from the food we eat.
There are two types of cholesterol: "Good-HDL" and "Bad-LDL". It's important to understand the difference, and to know the levels of good and bad cholesterol in your blood. Too much of one type--or not enough of another--can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Check out the Healthy Cholesterol Chart in our September Employee Wellness Newsletter to see healthy total cholesterol levels, healthy HDL and LDL levels, and healthy Triglyceride levels. Read more about cholesterol, heart healthy recipes, and more!
10 Tips for Lowering Cholesterol:
1. Set a target.
2. Get Moving!
3. Avoid saturated and trans fats.
4. Eat more fiber. Vegetables, fruit, beans, oats, or take some psyllium.
5. Go Fish! Eat fish or take fish oil.
6. Drink up! Yes, that means alcohol, especially red wine. (Up to 1 drink/day for women and no more than 2/day for men.)
7. Go Green. Sip some green tea or take green tea capsules.
8. Go Nuts! Aim to eat a handful of nuts daily. Walnuts and almonds are especially beneficial.
9. Don't smoke.
10. Consider medication, especially if your doctor determines you are a high-risk patient.
Check out the Healthy Cholesterol Chart in our September Employee Wellness Newsletter to see healthy total cholesterol levels, healthy HDL and LDL levels, and healthy Triglyceride levels. Read more about cholesterol, heart healthy recipes, and more! Stanley Subaru's Employee Wellness Newsletter, "Everyday Wellness" is published monthly and is made available to employees, their families and our guests online by clicking on About us, then selecting Employee Wellness Program from the menu.
Sources: Healthy Cholesterol Information: American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org.
Tips for lowering cholesterol from WebMd. http://www.webmd.com.
