Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes are essential to improve your cholesterol levels.

• Lose extra pounds. Losing weight can help lower cholesterol.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit saturated fats and trans fats. Monounsaturated fat, found in olive and canola oils, is a healthier option. Avocados, nuts and oily fish are other sources of healthy fat.
• Exercise regularly. With your doctor's OK, work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, find a way to quit.