High cholesterol is a common health concern that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke over time. While medication may be necessary for some people, adopting a heart-healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to help improve cholesterol levels naturally. The good news is that nutritious meals can also be flavorful and satisfying.
Important: High cholesterol usually has no noticeable symptoms. Many of the symptoms shown in social media graphics—such as fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, or bad breath—are not reliable signs of high cholesterol. The only way to know your cholesterol level is through a blood test.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, having too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, while HDL (“good”) cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Lifestyle habits that can help improve cholesterol include:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Choosing whole grains
- Including healthy fats
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting saturated and trans fats
