Question: What should my total cholesterol level be?

Answer: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all of the cells in your body as well as in your bloodstream. Our bodies make cholesterol and we also get cholesterol from animal products, such as meat, eggs, milk, yogurt and cheese. It is important to have cholesterol in your body, but too much cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. The desirable levels of cholesterol including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are provided below.

It is recommended to consume less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day (or less than 200 milligrams a day if your cholesterol level is high).

HDL: (“healthy”) takes cholesterol from blood and artery walls to your liver for removal from the body (higher levels are better - aim for 60 mg/dL and above)

            To increase:

·         Stay or become physically active

·         Maintain a healthy weight

·         Reduce fat intake

·         Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated fats

·         Quit smoking

LDL: (“lousy”) keeps blood cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, depositing plaque on artery walls along the way (aim for less than100 mg/dL)

            To decrease:

·         Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats

·         Keep total fat and dietary cholesterol low

·         Reduce intake of trans fatty acids

·         Maintain a healthy body weight

·         Increase soluble fiber

Total Cholesterol can be decreased by increasing your fiber intake, specifically soluble fiber. Try to have 20-30 grams of fiber each day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently unveiled their new cholesterol website. For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov/cholesterol for specific statistics and tips.