These blood tests are a crucial tool because they give you an indication of
what’s happening inside your arteries. You can raise or lower your scores
(and risks) via the foods you eat. Find out your . . .
LDL cholesterol (ideal = less than 100 mg/dL): Your body naturally
produces this waxy fat—your cell membranes and some of your hormones
need it. But eating too much of the wrong things can push production
beyond what’s good for you. That’s why we call it the bad cholesterol
(remember, L is for Lousy).
HDL cholesterol (ideal = 60 mg/dL or higher): The body’s sanitation
worker, this stuff picks up cholesterol and shuttles it off to the liver to be
disposed of. Exercise and eating the right foods help your body make more
HDL (H is for Healthy).
Blood sugar (ideal = less than 100 mg/dL): The amount of circulating
glucose. The higher the number, the more inflammation, fat storage, and
damage can be done. A blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or higher
indicates diabetes, while 100 to 125 mg/dL is prediabetes.
Blood pressure (ideal = lower than 120/80 mm Hg): The higher it is,
the more damage can happen to your arterial walls as blood attempts to
travel through your arteries. High blood pressure leaves little scars on
delicate artery walls, which become inviting homes for plaque and
inflammation. Plus, your heart has to put out extra effort to manage the
high pressure, which can weaken the organ over time.
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