There are two types of cholesterol. Good cholesterol (HDL) which protects the heart, and bad cholesterol (LDL), which blocks the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease and a heart attack. Ideally, you want the healthiest amount of HDL as possible and the lowest amount possible of LDL. One of the best ways of doing this is through having a healthy diet, specifically through consuming a healthy amount of a type of protein.
Importantly, whey protein can help lower your levels of cholesterol which we’ve established is good.
Whey protein is most often found in protein powders, shakes and supplements.
You can buy them from the likes of Holland and Barrett and other vendors.
On top of lowering your cholesterol it can also help you build muscle.
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As well as incorporating whey protein into your diet, there are more accessible foods you can eat to lower your LDL levels.
This includes eating foods with more soluble fibre in them can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol.
Consuming three grams of soluble fibre a day, studies have found, can help lower your cholesterol.
This is the same as three apples.
Other ways for you to get your fibre intake include eating whole grain versions of foods such as pastas and cereals; combined with oats and more fruit and veg. This creates a powerful cholesterol lowering force.
It isn’t just your diet where you can make improvements, but in how much you exercise too.
As well as lowering levels of bad cholesterol, aerobic exercise increases levels of good cholesterol.
This good cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that protects your heart.
Also try to avoid processed foods; try cooking with fresh ingredients.
Your cholesterol levels – both good and bad – are a measure of your heart health.
They can help guide you to make decisions about your lifestyle.
These decisions will have wide ranging positive consequences beyond lowering your cholesterol levels.