Show Cholesterol facts for healthier choices Connie Dillin C. blood cholesterol is one of the three HIGH major risk factors for coronary heart dis dis- dis- dis ease Cigarette smoking and high blood pressure pressure pressure pres pres- sure are the other two Fortunately all three risk factors are modifiable and you can take steps to change each of them Currently more than half of all adult Americans have blood cholesterol levels of MG DL or greater which places them atan at atan atan an increased risk for coronary heart disease Approximately 25 percent have high blood cholesterol levels of MG DL or greater Many things can influence your cholesterol level It is determined partly by your genetic makeup and the saturated fat and cholesterol in the foods you eat Main Main- 1 taming proper weight and physical activity will help keep more normal levels Low Lowering ring your cholesterol level will slow fatty buildup in the walls of the arteries and reduce your risk of a heart attack If you reduce your a elevated cholesterol level 15 percent your risk of coronary heart disease could drop by 30 percent Th The e primary m a ry a approach ch to lowering ng haa J elevated cholesterol is diet using more unsaturated unsaturated un- un 1 saturated fats and complex carbohydrates T TSat Sat Saturated u rat e d fats fat sin in ani animal m a I pro products d u c t s palm coconut kernel oil and hydrogenated oils raise cholesterol more than anything l' l else For a more healthy diet choose poultry fish and lean cuts of skin from chicken and trim the fat from meat Skim or orlow low fat milk rather than whole milk and tub margarine are healthier II |