Cholesterol is made in the liver and it serves many important functions. For example, it helps to keep the walls of your cells flexible and it is also necessary to make several types of hormones. However, too much cholesterol will lead to concerns. Similar to fat, cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water. To move around the body, it depends on lipoproteins. Different lipoproteins lead to different effects on your health.
High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) will lead to cholesterol deposits in your blood vessel walls. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein helps to bring cholesterol away from the vessel walls and prevents certain types of conditions. Healthy lifestyle choices can help to change things by increasing the good HDL and decreasing the bad LDL. Read on to learn more about how to manage cholesterol levels for older adults!
Use Polyunsaturated Fats Like Omega-3s
Polyunsaturated fats consist of multiple double bonds that make them different from saturated fat. Research reveals that polyunsaturated fat will reduce LDL cholesterol, therefore decreasing the risk of heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats may also help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Avoid Trans Fats
Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been changed by a process known as hydrogenation. This is done so that the unsaturated fats in the vegetable oils become more stable. The resulting trans fats will not be fully saturated so they are partially hydrogenated oils. These are found solid at room temperature, so they have more texture than the unsaturated liquid oils. The shelf stability and increased texture make trans fats more attractive to food companies. But hydrogenated trans fats are harmful to the body. They increase the total cholesterol level and LDL levels but decrease beneficial HDL.
Eat Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber is a group of compounds in plants that are able to dissolve in water and humans cannot digest. The beneficial bacteria that live in your intestines can digest the soluble fiber and require it for their nutrition. These good bacteria, known as probiotics, can help to reduce LDL levels.
Exercise
Exercise is always great for heart health. It helps to combat obesity and improve your physical fitness, and it also increases the beneficial HDL while reducing harmful LDL at the same time. Just 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week is enough to help lower your cholesterol levels. Even low-intensity exercise like walking can increase HDL, increasing the benefits of exercise.
Experience Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe
Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is a retirement community that is specially designed with our residents in mind. Located in Venice, we boast of three distinct communities. Around the area, you will find the best medical and entertainment in Venice. Our residents wake up feeling inspired every single day and look forward to taking part in a wide range of activities. No matter whether you choose the independent or assisted living options, our team is here to make you feel at home. Feel free to contact us to find out more.
