Is Good Cholesterol Really Bad?
Online, October 3, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Health experts say that expensive medication is not required to increase levels of good cholesterol in the blood stream. Health buffs themselves are advocating for natural, less expensive ways to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. Focus is being placed on increasing the high-density protein (HDL) levels or the good cholesterol.
HDL are constantly present in the blood stream and are referred to as "good cholesterol". HDL fights off the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol that are known to increase heart diseases. This means that higher good cholesterol levels reduce risks for heart failures. Women by nature have higher HDL levels than men.
Statins, a type of drug used to lower cholesterol levels, have long been prescribed to people diagnosed with high levels bad cholesterol. The drug has been known to rapidly reduce LDL levels. With good cholesterol constantly being linked to heart disease prevention, more people are also looking into taking medications that can boost their HDL levels.
"Most of these good cholesterol-boosting treatments are still in their trial phase. We do not necessarily recommend trying them yet, this is especially given the there are less expensive and synthetic ways to increase HDL levels," said Steve Lithgow, author of My Bad Cholesterol,a website known for its timeless tips on maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. The website also clearly defines what is good cholesterol.
Obesity is identified as one of the major reasons for low levels of good cholesterol. As a result, experts are emphasizing more exercise and a healthier diet as the first major steps in boosting good cholesterol.
"Aerobic exercises are very effective in boosting good cholesterol. The best thing about it is people of all ages can do it. This type of exercise is fun and low-impact, but extremely good for the heart," Lithgow shared.
Smoking and excessive drinking have also been linked to low levels of good cholesterol, along with excessive consumption of trans fats which are most commonly found in fried and processed food. Natural methods of combating bad cholesterol will, however, take a longer period of time to deliver the desired effects. But Lithgow emphasized that these are also the most sustainable approaches to living with good cholesterol.
"While we are not fully discounting the effectiveness of statins in addressing alarming cholesterol levels, we would still recommend the simplest and most natural approach to boosting good cholesterol as it benefits a person's overall health," Lithgow said.
About My Bad Cholesterol
MyBadCholesterol.com is a health website that advocates natural approaches to lowering bad cholesterol in the body. It contains tips and reliable resources to regulating cholesterol levels.