What to eat to lower cholesterol
The most powerful way to lower your cholesterol and protect your arteries is through intentional, heart-smart food choices. Here’s how to get started.
Cholesterol Testing Schedule: By Age & Risk Level
Age Group Risk Level Recommended Testing Frequency 20–39 years Low risk (no major risk factors) Every 5 years Moderate/high risk (family history, diabetes, etc.) Every 1–3 years Known heart disease or very high cholesterol At least annually Men 40–64 years Low risk Every 5 years Moderate/high risk (smoking, hypertension, etc.) Every 1–3 years Known heart…
Checking Levels
When Should You Check Your Cholesterol? Know Your Risk. If you’re a man age 35 or older or a woman age 45 or older, it’s time to start having your cholesterol checked regularly. Why? Because cholesterol levels—and the plaque they can create—often creep up silently, long before symptoms appear. Depending on your numbers and your…
7-Day Meal Planner to Support Healthy Arteries
Here’s a 7-day heart-healthy meal planner based on the food-first strategy for reducing plaque and supporting healthy arteries. Each day includes plenty of soluble fiber, unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients, with limited added sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.
Food-Based Plan to Reduce Plaque and Support Healthy Arteries
Food-first plan to reduce plaque and support healthy arteries with fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods—no supplements needed.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is a broad term that refers to the stiffening, thickening, or loss of elasticity in arterial walls. Think of it like the difference between a flexible garden hose and one that’s been left out in the sun for too long—it becomes rigid, less responsive, and prone to cracking.
Keep Levels Down
You don’t need a shelf full of supplements to manage cholesterol. You need the right foods, the right habits, and the right strategy.
How Often
If you’re 20 years or older, it’s important to have your blood cholesterol checked at least once every five years, even if you’ve never had an issue with high cholesterol before.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL
HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is believed to have a protective effect against heart disease because…