In addition to diet, a few other reasons for high cholesterol are genetics, life-style and the sex and age of the individual. By keeping your cholesterol levels in the normal range, being thin and in good shape will probably not stop the attempted increase of bad cholesterol. Also because of the risk of heart problems some individuals need a strong plan of attack and medications that help lower cholesterol. Following are very important simple factors that affect cholesterol being up or normal.

Diet:
# Eating lower fat foods is an important factor to consider.

# Purchase and use only unsaturated cooking oils. When possible substitute heavy oils with cooking sprays that are low fat. Use cooking methods that call for none or at least little oil, this act will further lower the use of oils.

High cholesterol and Life-style effects:
# We are asking for trouble when we choose to eat fast foods versus good healthy foods. When eating so many fats and salty foods we are taking steps to raise the bad cholesterol level in our body. Opting to live a inactive life-style can also indirectly increase those levels also. There is a movie documentary titled "Supersize Me" that will reinforce this. You might want to rent it and observe a person tries to live on fast food and doing very little exercise. What happens to him in just 1 month will be an awakening impact to you and your family. In only 30 days his cholesterol and overall health will scare you.

# It is never too late to begin this new life-style. The best thing to do is take on professional help like a dietician or nutritionist and they can teach you the right reasons for the best health. An expense out of our pocket but well worth doing it.

# A good and regular exercise program will immediately lower cholesterol and keep your body in good shape and you will feel better about yourself. Believe it or not, going for a 30 minute walk three times a week or 30 minutes of aerobic exercise will lower cholesterol. No need for a lot of time spent or buying special clothing to perform those exercises. This is not a fashion show but your health.

When exercising, try to find one that you can enjoy. This can make the whole thing easier. What is needed is just take the first step. Keep it simple.

Hereditary:
# What your ancestry or parents have may affect your health also. Those genes can be passed down to you. If your family have problems with cholesterol and health, this info needs to be given to your doctor or health care provider. You can start earlier in your life and work harder to embrace a healthy food plan and begin a healthy life-style now.

Sex and Age:
# Studies show that the older we get cholesterol normally will go up. Women normally will have a lower cholesterol level than men in the age category of 50 to 55.

The cholesterol level begins to climb when a woman begins menopause.
# We all know that age will increase no matter what, but you can make sure that those added years will be heart healthy with a good diet and exercise. Monitor your cholesterol level and keep it controlled.