How to raise your high-density lipoproteins (HDL) level

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the good kind of cholesterol. HDL helps clear the bad cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), from your blood and keep it from clogging your arteries. High levels of HDL (60 or above) can protect you from a heart attack.

HDL levels:

• Desirable or high HDL is 60 mg/dL or above.
• Undesirable or low HDL is less than 40.

Changes in the way you live can raise your good kind of cholesterol. Things you can do to help raise your HDL levels include:

• Exercise regularly. Examples include brisk walks, jogging, cycling, or swimming laps.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Stop smoking.
• Eat healthy foods especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, peas, beans, and fish.
• Avoid packaged snack foods and bakery items.
• Drink no more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day.