Final answer:
The healthy ways to maintain or raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol are to perform moderate intensity physical exercise regularly and to choose monounsaturated fats such as olive oil instead of saturated and trans fats.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maintain or raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, the following strategies are recommended:
- Performing moderate intensity physical exercise most days. Regular physical activity can increase HDL and lower LDL.
- Choosing more monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, instead of saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats can help improve your LDL:HDL ratio.
On the contrary, choosing more saturated fats like butter and trans fats like shortening can actually lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol, contributing to unhealthy blood cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, often found in fish and some plant oils, are particularly beneficial for heart health as they can both lower LDL and elevate HDL.