More and more people are experiencing high cholesterol due to the unhealthy eating habits that we have adopted. It is crucial to learn steps on how to reduce your cholesterol level if you are one with high levels, especially how to reduce bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is also known as LDL, which is short for Low Density Lipoprotein. Out of your total cholesterol levels, LDL is the main type of cholesterol that you should focus on to reduce.
lowering bad cholesterolLowering the levels of bad cholesterol in your body differs in results from one individual to another. There are many factors that play a role in the process of eliminating LDL, such as age, sex, and other underlying conditions. To sum it up, the older you are, the longer it takes, while it is harder for women to reduce bad cholesterol levels and certain diseases like metabolic problems could make it harder for you to reduce your bad cholesterol.
There are three main ways to reduce bad cholesterol levels. The first is the implementation of proper diet, the second is through exercise, and the third is by taking prescribed medication. Let's briefly take a look at each one.
Perhaps, the most important way to reduce bad cholesterol level is proper diet and nutrition. Prevention is always better than cure, so it is best to start watching what you eat before you are actually diagnosed with high cholesterol. There are basically three tips to this. The first tip is to avoid saturated fats. Next, you should start to eat more good dietary fiber such as oats, barley, and other fruits and vegetables. Oatmeal and cholesterol control are known to be closely linked. Fiber is also known to have cholesterol lowering properties, and they also contain antioxidants.
Most doctors now would suggest high cholesterol patients to start eating good fats, also known as essential fatty acids in order to help battle LDL or bad cholesterol. Good fats, such as those from fish oils, nuts, extra virgin olive oil and array of others contains omega fatty acids, as well as high density lipoprotein, which helps to eliminate and lower LDL levels.
Another way to help your goal of lowering bad cholesterol is to regularly exercise. Does exercise lower cholesterol levels? Researches have reported that it helps to increase HDL by 10%, which would help to battle LDL in your body. However, for those who are in a serious condition, or when the levels are too high, doctors will prescribe medication, such as Statins, which could lower bad cholesterol levels by 20% to 50%.
However, if you begin to take care of your diet and exercise regularly, medication might not be necessary. It all takes some effort and research on your side to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
how to reduce bad cholesterol 
