Cut down your Cholesterol - Jin's Health Tips

Everyone knows that high cholesterol causes cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These diseases are life threatening and if you belong to a high risk group, a good understanding of cholesterol will definitely help you with your health. Are all cholesterol bad? Are there good cholesterol? In this article, Jin's Health tips will share with you what are the different types of cholesterol and tell you the kind of diet and lifestyle you can adopt to keep your cholesterol within acceptable levels.

If you go for health screening often, you would notice HDL counts and LDL counts on your results.

• HDL(The GOOD) is called High Density Lipoproteins. These are good cholesterols which removes cholesterol from the arterial walls. It also helps to reduce blood clots and constriction of blood vessels. Target Level: >1mmol/L
• LDL(The BAD) is called Low Density Lipoproteins. These are the sticky cholesterols which likes to stick onto the arterial walls. This is the cause for blockage(atherosclerosis) and heart attack. Target Level: <2mmol/l

Figure showing actions of HDL and LDL

Diet

Maintaining good cholesterol level requires a healthy diet. Jin's Health tips recommends a low fat, low cholesterol and high fibres diet.

• Eat plenty of fish, fruit, dark green and leafy vegetable, beans (sources of HDL)
• Avoid high fat food, fried food, pastries, sugared drinks (sources of LDL)

Lifestyle

In addition to a good diet, a healthy diet is required to combat High cholesterol levels.

Jin Health tips advices:

• Mild to moderate exercises at least 30mins a day
• No smoking
• Be more health conscious

Go for your health screening regularly and ensure that your cholesterol is within acceptable level. If you belong to the high risk group, it is time you start to change your diet and lifestyle as these two are the key to recovery.

If you do have any queries, do feel free to email Jin's Health Tips at tanjinlin@gmail.com