As we get older, it becomes more and more important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a condition that arises from how our body reacts to what foods we consume and how we live our lives. Too much cholesterol, however, has a tendency to build up in the arteries as plaque. It can also slow or block blood flow. Having high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack, and is usually curbed by medication. However, relying on medication alone may not be enough for seniors. Maintaining an active lifestyle and eating properly greatly affect the overall health of a senior. Maintaining healthy cholesterol is also important. There are three main ways to make that happen.
Active Lifestyle
Within their physical capabilities, seniors should be as active as possible. This includes incorporating simple activities, such as walking or gardening, for exercise, which helps to greatly reduce bad cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Any activity to increase cardiovascular health greatly benefits seniors.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are notorious for not providing the nutrition needed to stave off bad levels of cholesterol. When you eat heavily processed foods, your body is unable to break them down to use the nutrients, if there IS any, in them. Seniors will benefit from nutritional foods, such as fruits, nuts, fish, and leafy green vegetables to help maintain healthy cholesterol.
Know the Cholesterol Facts
Believe it or not, not all cholesterol is bad. Cholesterol is an essential fat that provides stability in every cell of your body. LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that clogs arteries and causes heart disease. HDL is the good cholesterol that actually helps to remove LDL by sending it to the liver when it can be reprocessed. HDL also helps to keep the inner walls of the blood vessels healthy.
Dieting and exercise are highly necessary, however, having a more personalized plan is beneficial so you know and understand what specific areas need attention. At Avanti Senior Living, the Avanti Green Kitchen offers a multitude of delicious, healthy meals using the freshest ingredients and without using pre-made foods. Avanti takes into account the needs of the community and carefully prepares each healthy meal perfectly.
