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Foods That Increase HDL

Written by First Stop Health Coaches | Oct 9, 2024 8:17:57 PM

 What is HDL?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good kind of cholesterol and the kind you want. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad kind of cholesterol and the kind you want to keep in check.

HDL is like a vacuum cleaner or snowplow for cholesterol in the body. When it’s at healthy levels in your blood, it removes extra cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries and then sends it to your liver. Your liver expels it from your body. Ultimately, this will help reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

 

Just as some foods can raise your bad cholesterol, certain foods can raise your good cholesterol, too. Start incorporating some HDL-friendly foods into 
your daily diet in moderation: 

  • Olive Oil (extra virgin is the best)
  • Beans and Legumes (black bean, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lentils)
  • Whole Grains (oatmeal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain bread)
  • High Fiber Fruits (prunes, apples, pears)
  • Fatty Fish (wild caught salmon, albacore tuna, trout)
  • Flax (flax seed and flaxseed oil)
  • Nuts (Brazil nuts, almonds, pistachios)
  • Chia (chia seeds)
  • Avocado
  • Soy (edamame, tofu)
  • Red Wine (one six-ounce glass for women, two six-ounce glasses for men)

 

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