Exercise and Cholesterol

“Regular exercise affects your cholesterol and triglycerides in two main ways. Exercise helps lower triglycerides, which at high levels are linked to coronary artery disease. Exercise also raises your levels of HDL, or the ‘good’ cholesterol. Consistent regular exercise can lower triglycerides (blood fats) by 30% to 40% and boost HDL by 5 to 8 mg/dl.” “The type of exercise you do is less important for cholesterol control than how often and how regularly you do it. Doctors used to believe it was only aerobic, endurance exercise that improved levels, but it turned out that we were wrong. A number of studies on resistance training have shown very powerful effects on cholesterol metabolism. McBride says that most experts recommend a combination of three forms of exercise to get the most health benefit. Aerobics to get your heart rate up; Strength training to build muscle; Flexibility exercises like stretching to keep you limber.” (Patrick McBride, MD, MPH, director, preventive cardiology program and cholesterol clinic, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis.,) So for better health and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, get and keep moving.

Exercise and Cholesterol

Exercise and Cholesterol