5 Cholesterol-Lowering Foods, and a Simple Test to Check Your Cholesterol Levels

Dietary changes, acupoint massage, and various other approaches can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

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High cholesterol levels increase the risk of a heart attack, while low levels may be associated with cancer. Dietary changes, acupoint massage, and other approaches can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Usually, a checkup for cholesterol will include four common indicators:

1. Total cholesterol
2. High-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol; HDL)
3. Low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol; LDL)
4. Triglycerides (neutral fats)

Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.

Risks Associated With Low Cholesterol

High cholesterol can be detrimental to health. Similarly, deficient cholesterol levels may lead to insufficient hormone secretion, memory impairment, palpitations, weakened immunity, and even an increased risk of dementia and cancer.