Foods that raise HDL cholesterol

Our body contains bad and good cholesterol. LDL is the bad cholesterol, which tends to accumulate on the walls of the blood vessels, thus increasing the risk of developing some cardiovascular disease. However, there is also HDL, which is the abbreviation for high density lipoproteins, which are popularly known as good cholesterol which can decrease the risk of the cardiovascular diseases if its amounts are high. The good cholesterol reduces harmful fatty accumulations in the arteries.

Raising HDL with foodsIt is considered that the ideal HDL level is 60 milligrams per deciliter or higher, and when the level of HDL is less than normal, it can be risky for both men and women. However, the amounts of HDL can be effectively raised in many ways, especially by consuming certain foods. There are numerous kinds of food that can raise good cholesterol, but it is important to consume these foods only in moderation because even when it comes to the healthy foods, overeating is not good.The problems with the levels of cholesterols, as well as the boosting the HDL levels, can be effectively achieved by consumption of foods high in omega-3 acids. Some of the foods that are high in omega-3 content are many kinds of fish, like salmon and sardines, soy products, nuts, flax seeds, spinach and green beans. Furthermore, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, berries, mustard seeds and oregano are also foods that are high in omega-3 acids, which is why they should be incorporated in a diet as well, if one wants to increase the levels of good cholesterol.Even though there is a belief that cocoa is harmful for the body, it is not true since dark chocolate can significantly increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body and the person only has to make sure to consume it in a moderate quantity.Furthermore, there is also a popular belief that the eggs should be avoided since they are high in cholesterol. It is true, though only partly, since the eggs are really high in cholesterol but in the good cholesterol only, and they should be included in the diet but, of course, in the moderate amount.HDL levels can be also increased by consuming onion and garlic, and although many people do not like eating these two items, they have many health benefits and should be a part of an everyday diet.It is also proven that red wine is very beneficial, too, for boosting HDL levels, and it is advisable to drink only a glass of red wine a day.