Diet and exercise are the key to reducing high levels of cholesterol but too few people seem to be aware that they have the ability in their own hands to improve their health.
In the UK, two out of three adults over the age of 40 have high cholesterol, but a survey carried out for Benecol®, in the UK’s number on cholesterol-lowering brand, revealed that more than half of those quizzed didn’t realise they could use diet and exercise to lower their cholesterol levels without using statins.
The same survey, part of Benecol’s Better Together campaign to help people lower their cholesterol, showed that 95% of people admit they are worried by a diagnosis of high cholesterol. However, only 46% of those questioned said they exercised at least once a week, despite exercise being known to cut cholesterol levels.
Changing diet and lifestyle to incorporate foods known to reduce cholesterol while also increasing exercise and activity levels can help restore cholesterol levels to normal and bring a better sense of wellbeing and health to an individual.
Cut out saturated fats from your diet and instead choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, particularly products high in omega 3. Add fruits, vegetables and soluble fibres to what you tuck into daily. And make sure you try cholesterol-lowering foods that contain plant stanols or sterols, which have been proven to be effective.
Exercise is crucial, too, especially aerobic activity that gets your heart rate up. If you haven’t been exercising much or at all, start off gently – go for a 20-minute walk every day and slowly build up how long you walk for. Swimming and cycling are ideal, too, and if you enjoy the fun of being part of a group activity, why not try out an exercise class at your local gym or sports centre? There are classes to suit every level of fitness and ability and all will help put you on the road to better health and, importantly, help lower your cholesterol. More tips on lowering cholesterol can be found at www.benecol.co.uk/bettertogether
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