5 Ways to keep cholesterol in check

“ Lowering cholesterol is one of the most imperative things to do to promote overall heart health. And now Metamucil and Dr. Michael Roizen, Chairman of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic and host of the upcoming PBS series, "Younger You," have suggested five things you need to do to lower your cholesterol.

Take psyllium

The first, and one of the simplest tips, is to get more fiber in your diet - but not just any kind, because not all fibers work the same way. Viscous soluble fiber like psyllium fiber, the natural dietary fiber found in Metamucil, is proven to help lower total and "lousy" LDL cholesterol because it forms a thick gel that traps and helps remove some cholesterol, bile acids and waste in the gut. This is why I recommend my patients supplement low fat, low cholesterol diets with 7 grams of soluble fiber from psyllium daily, as in Metamucil.

Wear a pedometer and increase daily activity

You'd be amazed to see how many extra steps you can take in one day -- grab a pedometer and watch the numbers roll as you make simple changes for your health and take the stairs, walk to work, or stroll around the neighbourhood to increase your physical activity for better heart health. Tracking your progress throughout the day can be great inspiration to keep going, and walking is a simple and easy type of exercise to help lower cholesterol!

Get an exercise buddy

A healthy lifestyle requires motivation, encouragement and a friend to lean on. Grab an exercise buddy and support each other in the challenge to lower your cholesterol. Take long walks together and encourage each other to try new types of physical activity to get the heart pumping and to keep cholesterol levels down! Enjoy each other's company and laugh – reduced levels of stress will help your heart too! Discover the POWER of BLACK for a Pure White Skin

Beware of hidden fats and sugars

Be an informed eater; get to know your ingredients and read the nutrition labels thoroughly. Hidden sugars and unhealthy ingredients can increase your weight, which can lead to high cholesterol. Stay away from foods that contain high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and hidden sources of sugar such as high fructose corn syrup, some dextrins, or evaporated cane juice.

Add DHA

DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Regular intake of DHA can aid in proper heart function and help lower levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), or the "lousy" cholesterol3, and raise levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or the "healthy" cholesterol. Popular sources of DHA are salmon, sardines, tuna – but if you aren't a seafood fan, try fish oil supplements, or if you don't like fishy taste, get them from vegetarian supplements made from algal DHA.

Here's how you can keep your heart happy and healthy'

A healthful diet and active lifestyle are some of the best weapons to fight heart disease.

According to the International Food Information Council Functional Foods/Foods for Health Consumer Trending Survey, cardiovascular health risks, including high blood pressure, stroke and high cholesterol, are the top health concern for many people.

“Consuming a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium can help reduce your risk for heart disease,” according to David Grotto.

“But that’s only one side of the equation. It is also important to choose foods that can promote heart health such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fibre.” Other foods that promote heart health include: Nuts: As a rich source of protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fat, nuts are a powerhouse food that can promote heart health.

“Heart Healthy” Fats: Both monounsaturated fat (olive, canola, peanut or high oleic safflower oil) or polyunsaturated fat (sunflower, corn or soybean oil) may help promote heart health. Salmon, sardines, herring, trout and tuna are terrific sources of omega-3 fatty acids, as are eggs and some fortified brands of peanut butter, mayonnaise, cooking oil, cereal, pasta and nutrition bars.

Soy Protein: Look for soy protein in nutrition bars, fortified soy beverages, tofu, soy cheese and edamame or try adding soy protein to your favourite smoothie.

Sterols and Stanols: These plant-based food components help lower LDL cholesterol levels. They are found in foods like corn, soy, wheat and some fortified foods like soft table spreads, orange juice and yogurt.

Dark Chocolate: Some dark chocolates can contain helpful components called flavanols. These cocoa-derived flavanols have been shown to help support the cardiovascular system, which helps move blood to and from the heart. When included in moderation, dark chocolate can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

To help people incorporate more “heart healthy” foods into their diet, the International Food Information Council Foundation has developed two new resources including a video, “Foods for Health: Eating for Heart Health” produced in partnership with registered dietitian David Grotto, author of “101 Optimal Life Foods.”