CONTROLLING BLOOD-LIPIDS PART 1 - A PRACTICAL ROLE FOR DIET AND EXERCISE

Dietary measures that can improve blood lipids include limiting consum ption of saturated fats, trans fatty acids, simple sugars, and stearic acid and consuming adequate amounts of vitamins C and E and betacarot ene. Eating certain fish once a week may significantly lower the risk of sudden cardiac death. Aerobic exercise three times per week for 20 to 30 minutes at 60% to 80% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate ma y also improve lipid levels. Research indicates that modest fitness re duces overall mortality, and higher levels benefit those who have abno rmally high cholesterol. Moderate alcohol consumption may influence a person's lipid profile favorably but is not recommended for nondrinker s.