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 helps keep it from clogging your arteries. High levels of HDL (60 or above) can protect you from a heart attack.

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 alcohol drinks a day.