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Cholesterol Management Tips for A Healthy Lifestyle

  • May 10, 2020
  • 5 min read
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Cholesterol Management Tips for A Healthy Lifestyle

You may think that medical insurance will not cover something as inconsequential as heightened cholesterol. However, there is more than what meets the eye. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let us first look at what exactly is cholesterol. 

Cholesterol is essentially a fat-like substance that helps secure the nerves, create cell tissues and generate hormones. The liver is the primary producer of cholesterol in the body. You also receive a healthy amount of cholesterol directly fromfoods such as eggs, meats and dairy products. Overall, while the body needs some form of fat deposition to take care of crucial bodily functions, having too much cholesterol can have adverse health effects on your body.

Thankfully, you can beat excess cholesterol levels in your body by investing in a best health insurance policy for yourself and a few lifestyle changes. To help, here are a few lifestyle upgrades you can consider: 

  1. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

Make a few alterations in your diet while keeping the best health insurance policy in your hand, and it will help you reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health:

• Eat Less Saturated Fats

 Saturated fats, mainly found in red meat and full-fat dairy foods, increase the total cholesterol level of the body. Reducing your intake of saturated fats will boost LDL cholesterol,which is considered as the ‘bad’ cholesterol.

• Eliminate Trans Fats

Trans fats, also referred to as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on food labels, are commonly used in margarine and biscuits, crackers and cakes bought from the supermarket. Trans fats increase the average level of cholesterol.

Eat Foods with a High Omega-3 Fatty Acid content

Omega-3 fatty acids do not influence LDL cholesterol. But they do have other heart-healthy advantages, including blood pressure improvements. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids consist of salmon, mackerel, herring, flaxseeds and walnuts, which should be included in your diet. 

  1. Exercise Everyday 

Exercising will improve cholesterol. Reasonable physical activity can help elevatethe “healthy” cholesterol, which is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Go up to at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week or vigorous aerobic activity for 20 minutesevery day or atleast thrice a week.

Adding physical activity while you choose the best health insurance policy can help you stay protected from cholesterol-related problems as well as insured for any health-related mishap. 

Consider:

• During your lunch hour, enjoy a quick walk after finishing your meal

• Ride your bike to work 

• Play a sport to stay motivated

  1. Quit Smoking

When you quit smoking, it increases the level of HDL cholesterol. The effects arise quickly:

  • Your blood pressure and heart rate recoverin an hour or so
  • Within three months after quitting cigarettes, your lung function and blood circulation begin to improve 
  • In a year of quitting, your risk of heart disease is half that of aperson who is still smoking

Also, the premium of all the best health insurance policies depends on the nicotine intake. So, it is advised that you shouldstop smoking when you opt for a critical illness insurance scheme.

  1. Lose Weight

Just carrying a few extra kilograms contribute to high cholesterol. Small changes add up. Switch to tap water if you are drinking sugary beverages. Snack on air-popped popcorn or pretzels — keeping the calories on track. Seek sherbet or candies with little or no fat, such as jellybeans, if you want anything delicious.

Look for ways to introduce more movement into your daily routines, such as using the stairs instead of using the lift further from your office or parking. Take walks at work breaks. Try to boost standing tasks, such as cooking or yardwork. In this way, you can lose weight without disturbing your day to day work and keep your cholesterol in check. 

  1. Watch the Alcohol Intake 

Alcohol adds additional calories, which can result in weight gain. Being overweight can elevate your LDL level and lower your HDL level. Too much alcohol can also raise the risk of heart disease, as it can increase your level of blood pressure and triglycerides. One cocktail is a glass of wine, whiskey, or just a little hard liquor.

Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough- Get Secured witha Health Insurance Policy

Often improvements in a healthy lifestyle do not help to reduce cholesterol levels. If your doctor advises medication to help reduce your cholesterol, take medicine as prescribed as the lifestyle changes continue. Changes in lifestyle will help you keep your opioid dosage down. Some of the best medical insurance policies from reputable insurers such as Max Life Insurance help you prepare financially against such situations. These plans provide an additional sum of money so that you can opt for the best possible treatment without hurting your savings. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get insured while keeping these lifestyle changes in mind and lead a happy and healthy life.

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