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Cholesterol is a lipid or fatty substance found in the outer lining of the cells. These lipids eventually enter the blood stream; the two major sources of this fatty substance are liver production and dietary intake. This cholesterol is considered primarily responsible for arterial blockages leading to stroke and heart attack. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your cholesterol level in check such as: life style and dietary changes and through medication.

Lifestyle changes:

Go from fat to fit: Obesity is big contributor to the production of cholesterol. Even if you lose a few pounds it can create a marked impact on your cholesterol levels. To begin with you need to analyze your eating habits. Remember that dietary intake also leads to an increase in cholesterol levels.

Choose heart healthy food: A diet that is rich in fiber and other food items that are known to reduce cholesterol may help to lower the overall cholesterol level in the body as much as medication.

Go for healthier fats: Saturated fats and trans fat will increase your total cholesterol level. The saturated fat found should not be responsible for more than 10 percent of your calories each day. Monosaturated fat in canola and peanut oils is healthier.

Avoid trans fats: These are found in commercial baking and baked products like cookies, margarine etc. Not only do trans fats increase the level of bad cholesterol but they also decrease the level of good cholesterol

Reduce your consumption of cholesterol: Make sure that you consume no more than 300 mg of cholesterol if you are healthy and less than 200 mg if you have an underlying heart condition.

Eat whole grains: Ensure that you go for products like bread, pasta etc manufactured from whole wheat flour, Also oatmeal, brown rice and oat bran are good items to reduce cholesterol levels

Increase your consumption of fruits and veggies: Frits and vegetables have a high content of dietary fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Instead of choosing fat and sugar laden snacks go for a fruits.

Fish and more Fish: Some fishes which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep your heart healthy such as mackerel, tuna and salmon.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Control your alcohol consumption; you should consume no more than one drink a day if you are a woman and no more than two drinks if you are a man.

Regular Exercise: Working out for 30 to 60 minutes each day can help to lower your cholesterol. You can choose an outdoor activity that you enjoy; for instance, swimming cycling or jogging.

Quit Smoking: Smoking not only causes severe pulmonary problems and cancer but it is also responsible for reducing your HDL cholesterol level.