6-minute read
When was the last time you had your cholesterol checked? It’s January and self-care time, my friend!
In the past, people knew that monitoring their cholesterol was an important thing to do, but until these last few decades, science hadn’t quite discovered that there are good types of cholesterol that can help you live a healthier life.
Now that people have this information, they are far more equipped to deal with the challenges and choices facing their health. The following information provides an easy guide for understanding good and bad cholesterol. This can help you determine what you need based on your own cholesterol levels. Just focusing on the new NOW gives direction and helps clarify your vision and put words to your why.
LDL The Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol exists and is a fact of life. The type of cholesterol that is in your diet however is a matter of choice and avoiding certain foods that are known for having a high amount of saturated fats can help you avoid a buildup of LDL or bad cholesterol.
These buildups can be very dangerous to your health (over time) because they can cause hardening of the arteries, which is the direct result of fatty LDL plaque deposits. Once the plaque has built up, it can create a situation where PAD or peripheral artery disease can occur. Peripheral artery disease is a narrowing of arteries that carry blood to organs or limbs. The blockage of blood circulation to the brain can cause a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.
Research how to keep your arteries clean and your heart strong. Have fun with it. Go for oats, beans, raw nuts, garlic, and artichoke recipes and lower the bad cholesterol creating awesome, delicious food. Many of these types of food also reduce blood pressure so it really is a win-win adventure.
HDL The Good Cholesterol
The kind of cholesterol that you want is HDL. This type of cholesterol is important for your life because it has the amazing ability to carry the bad LDL cholesterol to the liver to dispose of it by removing it from the body.
Studies have shown that having low levels of HDL can be dangerous for your health as it acts as a balance to help preserve your efficient circulation. These come from the naturally occurring fats in an astounding number of fruits and vegetables, so making good dietary choices remains paramount in your focus for better health in your new NOW. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Choose wisely! One of the easiest things to do is eat a variety of colors for many different nutrients.
Triglycerides
According to science, triglycerides make up most of the fat that is kept in the human body. These types of fats are one of the most essential parts of the energy storage system that has developed in humans through time. Being sure to keep HDL levels high can help you prevent the build-up of fats in arteries and that makes it harder for the bad cholesterol to make a home in your circulatory system.
Check your numbers and let your doctor in on your focused healthy NOW plans for 2023.
Small choices create smart change. No more diets. You are creating a new NOW and a healthy lifestyle. That’s what champions do.
Take extraordinarily good care of yourself first!
I am praying for you and cheering you on.
PJ Zito
P.S. – Are you in our private Facebook group yet? You are highly encouraged to jump in and share your brilliance and your experiences with other champions on the journey. Just go to www.facebook.com/groups/LivingInTheNowChampions and I’ll see you there.
Happy NEW NOW (Year). Oh, have you started your new NOW journal? Click on the tabs across the top of this website to find many journal books that I have created to help support your new year goals.