Image
What is cholesterol?
What is good and bad cholesterol?
H: HDL is “good cholesterol.” Think of H in HDL as Healthy. The Higher, the better.
L: LDL is “bad cholesterol.” Think of L in LDL as Lousy. The Lower, the better.
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. When you eat, the body converts any calories it does not use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored calories, which go to your stomach. Having high triglyceride levels can raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Saturated Fat and Trans Fat:
Saturated fat and trans fat are fats that raise blood cholesterol levels the most. Just like cholesterol, saturated fat is found in food that comes from animals. Trans fat is found in fried foods and baked products.
How to lower your cholesterol:
- Read nutrition labels, and limit foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and total cholesterol
- Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables
- Be physically active
- Quit smoking and drink less alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage your stress