If you have high hdl, you are very fortunate indeed. High-density lipoprotein levels are associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and longevity. Studies suggest that lucky individuals who have elevated levels outlive the rest of the population.

High hdl cholesterol is a sign that your body is good at metabolizing fats. Runners and other endurance athletes tend to have higher readings, whereas those who lead sedentary lifestyles usually have lower levels.

Cholesterol is found among the lipids or fats in the bloodstream and in body cells. It is a fatty substance that is used to form cell membranes and hormones, and is necessary to other body functions. It plays an important part in keeping the body healthy.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) deliver cholesterol to the body, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) remove it from the bloodstream. If you have high hdl, this facilitates this process.

Approximately one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein. Experts believe that this lipoprotein aids in taking cholesterol away from the arteries and transporting it to the liver, where it is later excreted from the body. This is why high hdl cholesterol is believed to be so beneficial.

Additionally, HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaques and this process helps to slow their growth. A high hdl level prevents atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and thus protects against heart attack.

Why is low-density lipoprotein undesirable? It is considered dangerous

because it deposits cholesterol on artery walls. Hard cholesterol plaque can cause thickening of those walls and subsequent narrowing of the arteries. This is atherosclerosis and it is implicated in coronary heart disease.

If your LDL and HDL are not where they should be, you can undertake strategies to bring levels into desired ranges.

Exercise
If you have been told that high hdl cholesterol would be beneficial for you, one way to raise it is through exercise. Aerobic exercise can be of particular benefit.

Minimize Carbohydrates
Avoid sugar, flour, potatoes, and white rice if you are aiming for high hdl. Studies prove that it drops dramatically when blood sugar is affected by carbohydrates.

Stop Smoking
According to one study, within

one week of smoking cessation, patients levels were raised by seven points.

Beans
The potential of the humble bean should not be overlooked, when considering high hdl cholesterol and attempting to raise it. Kidney and red beans are a wonderful choice. In studies where people ate foods rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates, they measured with the highest level of HDL.

Orange Juice
Regular consumption of orange juice appears to significantly raise good cholesterol levels.

Fish:
Fish eaten several times a week can also help to raise HDL, since it contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Other substances that can help to raise levels are oat bran, onions, soy products, and foods that contain soluble fiber, such as citrus fruits, grapes, or

apples. 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended.

If you are aiming for high hdl, supplements can help. A natural supplement will contain compounds that have been clinically proven to lower undesirable LDL and elevate HDL.

Policosanol (derived from sugar cane) has been studied over the last decade. Patients taking policosanol have shown increased levels of desirable HDL. Policosanol has a wealth of clinical research to back it and is considered an exciting find in relation to [http://www.healthy-cholesterol-guide.com/heart_and_cholesterol.html]high hdl cholesterol and reduced risk factors for heart disease. Fish oil, containing omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), guards heart health and may protect against degenerative changes in artery walls. Selenium is a trace mineral that can be used in a

preventive manner for atherosclerosis and stroke.

Natural supplements support cardiovascular health, utilizing scientifically formulated ingredients that help the body to reduce undesirable cholesterol while supporting high hdl levels. It is important to seek out medical advice before embarking on any treatment.

Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to High HDL, a section of http://www.healthy-cholesterol-guide.com dedicated to natural treatments for high cholesterol and heart disease prevention.