If you are struggling with high cholesterol levels, it’s important to take action to lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase your good cholesterol (HDL).

Making some lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are 10 simple tips to help you lower your bad cholesterol:.

1. Eat Healthy Fats

Not all fats are bad for your health. In fact, some healthy fats can help to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels.

Include healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, fatty fish like salmon, and plant-based oils in your diet to help keep your cholesterol levels in check.

2. Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can help to reduce your cholesterol levels. Fiber works by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and preventing it from being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day to lower your LDL cholesterol.

3. Cut Back on Saturated and Trans Fats

Saturated and trans fats are known to raise your LDL cholesterol levels. Cut back on foods high in saturated fats like red meat, butter, cheese, and cream. Trans fats, found in processed foods, are particularly harmful to your heart health.

Replace these unhealthy fats with healthier options like berries, leafy greens, almond butter, and fish.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can boost your HDL cholesterol levels and reduce your LDL cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or running.

Additionally, strength training exercises can also be helpful for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol and other harmful substances to build up in your arteries. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

Within a year of quitting smoking, your risk of heart disease may be reduced by up to 50 percent.

6. Lose Weight

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Even small weight loss, such as 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, can make a big difference in your cholesterol levels.

Focus on making healthy changes to your diet and increasing physical activity to achieve a healthy weight.

7. Choose Heart-Healthy Foods

Including heart-healthy foods in your diet can help to lower your LDL cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight.

Some of the best foods for heart health include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources like fish and poultry, and low-fat dairy products.

8. Limit Your Alcohol Intake

While moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial for your heart health, too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your cholesterol levels.

To keep your cholesterol in check, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

9. Manage Your Stress Levels

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your health, including your cholesterol levels. High levels of stress can cause your body to produce more cortisol, a hormone that can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.

Try stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to help manage your stress levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.