Natural Ways to Reduce Cholesterol: 3 Tips for a Healthy Heart

With heart disease as the main cause of mortality in the US, an increasing number of people are searching for methods to keep themselves heart-healthy. Reducing your cholesterol level is a method to reduce your risk. Though physicians can suggest cholesterol-lowering drugs once your levels of cholesterol are over the ideal, you can also choose to go about this by natural means. Allow me to share three natural ways to reduce cholesterol and reduce your risk for acquiring cardiovascular disease.

Figure out your fats

Although the word "fats" appear to be connected with cholesterol and thus isn't good for you, in actuality, not all fats are bad for you. There are actually fats that are beneficial to your body.

To help eliminate bad cholesterol from your body, fish consists of high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, a very good type of fat that can elevate good cholesterol. The American Heart Association suggests that you take in fish at least 2 to 3 times a week to keep yourself heart-healthy.

Nuts also contain fats that are good for you.  But always consume nuts in moderation since they are also high in calories, which can result in increasing your LDL. So when you consume nuts, remember to have only a handful. This is the right amount to lessen cholesterol.

The two "bad" types of fat are trans fat and saturated fat. Trans fat is the worst, especially artificial trans fat.  Years ago, a lot of companies that manufacture commercially packaged foods began incorporating trans fats to products for extension of their shelf life. The bad thing about these man-made fats is the fact that they are a lot worse for you than any other kind of natural fat. It lowers HDL, and boosts your LDL and triglycerides. It is best to stay clear of any food which contains this unhealthy fat.

Improve fiber intake

Fiber works like a sponge and absorbs the cholesterol in your body to eliminate it. One of the best natural ways to reduce cholesterol is a diet abundant in fiber. You should definitely take in more whole grains, vegetables and fruits.  Add oatmeal to your daily breakfast and see your cholesterol level efficiently come down. To make oatmeal taste better, add fruits or cinnamon. Some inconclusive studies have shown that cinnamon might help reduce cholesterol as well.

Weight loss and exercise

Exercise is good for you, there's little doubt about it. Just carrying out moderate exercises 30 minutes a day is extremely helpful in minimizing bad cholesterol and boosting HDL. If you exercise, you can also burn that extra weight that can help reduce cholesterol levels.  So reduce cholesterol effectively with working out and losing weight.