Cholesterol is a fatty substance, moving through your blood vessels. High density lipoproteins are the “good” cholesterol and the low density lipoprotein are known as the “bad.” Therefore, when the LDL levels increase, it can begin to clog blood vessels that are within your brain and heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack. An annual checkup with your family physician is highly recommended.

There are several ways to lower your cholesterol levels, so get started.

Exercising 30 minutes per day is the first step. Any type of physical activities helps the HDL levels to increase, which will decrease your risk of a cardiovascular problem. Trying to avoid fried foods, ice cream, potato chips, whole eggs, and meats also helps to reduce high cholesterol. A nutritionist can provide you with an appropriate diet plan. There are several foods that help to lower your cholesterol such as walnuts, almonds, and fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking orange juice or yogurt drinks helps to reduce levels also. Many times cholesterol levels can be decreased without having to take a daily prescription. You should also stop smoking, as it lowers a person’s HDL levels, which lead to heart attacks and strokes.