Cholesterol Runs Through Your Blood
As blood travels through our arteries, it carries cholesterol on the backs of proteins called "lipoproteins." Light, or low-density, lipoproteins (LDL) can build up in the vascular system and prevent adequate blood flow throughout the body. This LDL cholesterol is that "bad" cholesterol.

Rather than getting stuck in our arteries, heavy, or high-density, lipoproteins (HDL) carries cholesterol to the liver, where it can be flushed out of the body. HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol we want to promote.

What You Eat Matters for Good Cholesterol
Most doctors will recommend medication to lower "bad" cholesterol. Feeding your body with the "good" cholesterols it needs is another way to lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Foods packed with "good" cholesterols include:

• Whole grains -- brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread
• Fish -- mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines
• Nuts -- almonds, peanuts, walnuts
• Beans -- kidney beans, white beans, black beans
• High fiber fruits -- avocado, apples, pears
• Eggs -- limited to 2-3 per day

See our 10 Healthiest Spots in SWLA list for more on local stores like Green Heart Meals and Pure Press Juicery that specialize in creating healthy pre-packaged meals that promote "good" cholesterol.

Cholesterol Affects the Whole Body 
Because cholesterol runs through our blood, it should come as no surprise that another great way to promote "good" cholesterol is to move our bodies by walking, exercising, and staying active. While a healthy diet and regular exercise will keep cholesterol numbers in the normal range recommended for most adults, genetics may also play a factor in your blood levels.

Before changing your lifestyle habits to promote "good" cholesterol, talk with a local healthcare provider to construct a plan that will work with any existing prescribed medications.

For More Information

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: "LDL and HDL Cholestrol"

Healthline: "11 Foods to Increase Your HDL"

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