Can Regular Physical Activity Increase HDL Cholesterol?

Abstract—High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations have been shown to increase with

regular endurance exercise

and, therefore, can contribute to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in physically active individuals compared with sedentary subjects.

How does exercise affect HDL?

Exercise can lower your

LDL cholesterol up to 15% and raise your HDL level up to 20%

.

Does regular physical activity decrease both HDL and LDL levels?

Exercise has the greatest effect on triglycerides by lowering them, and on HDL, the good cholesterol, by increasing it. Exercise

does not have much impact on LDL

, the “bad” cholesterol unless combined with dietary changes and weight loss. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Why does exercise lower LDL?

First, exercise

stimulates enzymes that help move LDL from the blood

(and blood-vessel walls) to the liver. From there, the cholesterol is converted into bile (for digestion) or excreted. So the more you exercise, the more LDL your body expels.

How does regular exercise influences levels of HDL C?

It is well established that both acute and chronic aerobic exercise increase plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels

in a dose–response manner

, with exercise volume, rather than intensity, having a greater influence on HDL-C response to exercise [1,2].

What raises HDL cholesterol the most?

1. Consume olive oil. …
2. Follow a low carb or ketogenic diet. …
3. Exercise regularly. …
4. Add coconut oil to the diet. …
5. Quit smoking. …
6. Lose weight. …
7. Choose purple produce. …
8. Eat fatty fish often.

What exercises raise HDL?

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can also increase HDL cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercises, such as

running, biking, and swimming

, along with moderate weight training are good choices to help best boost those good cholesterol levels.

What is the fastest way to lower LDL cholesterol?

1. Eliminate trans fats. …
2. Reduce saturated fats. …
3. Add more plant foods. …
4. Increase fiber intake. …
5. Increase plant protein sources. …
6. Eat less refined food.

Does exercise lower LDL?

Exercise can help lower triglyceride levels and raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Combining exercise with weight loss and dietary changes decrease LDL

(bad cholesterol) levels.

How do I lower my LDL number?

1. Eliminate trans fats. …
2. Reduce saturated fats. …
3. Add more plant foods. …
4. Increase fiber intake. …
5. Increase plant protein sources. …
6. Eat less refined food.

What is a good HDL level for a woman?

Women of any age should have an HDL level of

40 or higher

. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, or your doctor estimates that your 10-year risk of heart disease is 20 percent or higher, try to keep your LDL level below 100.

Does walking raise HDL?

Walking raises your “good” cholesterol and lowers your “bad” cholesterol. A

brisk 30-minute walk three times per week

is enough to raise your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) a few points. This amount of exercise, even without weight loss, is shown to improve your cholesterol levels.

What foods raise HDL?

• Olive oil. The type of heart-healthy fat found in olives and olive oil can lower the inflammatory impact of LDL cholesterol on your body. …
• Beans and legumes. …
• Whole grains. …
• High-fiber fruit. …
• Fatty fish. …
• Flax. …
• Nuts. …
• Chia seeds.

Do eggs increase HDL?

The science is clear that up to 3 whole eggs per day are perfectly safe for healthy people. Summary

Eggs consistently raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol

. For 70% of people, there is no increase in total or LDL cholesterol.

How can I lower my HDL naturally?

1. Focus on Monounsaturated Fats. …
2. Use Polyunsaturated Fats, Especially Omega-3s. …
3. Avoid Trans Fats. …
4. Eat Soluble Fiber. …
5. Exercise. …
6. Lose weight. …
7. Don’t smoke. …
8. Use alcohol in moderation.

How can I raise my HDL in a week?

Overall, high intensity exercise such as high intensity interval training and high intensity circuit training may boost HDL cholesterol levels the most. Bottom line:

Exercising several times per week

can help raise HDL cholesterol and enhance its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.