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Can walking everyday lower LDL cholesterol?
There is a large body of evidence that demonstrates the fact that regular exercisers have less cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and helps regulate body weight resulting in less diabetes. However, many studies have shown that most workouts fail to lower LDL, and only vigorous exercise can raise HDL cholesterol. So I don't think we should guarantee that walking everyday will lower LDL cholesterol. But I would like you to refer you to the latest study on the effects of exercise and cholesterol.
A Duke University study published in the Nov. 6 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine found that even modest exercise, like walking everyday, changed the size and density of cholesterol carrying proteins in the body. Cholesterol circulates through the body by attaching to protein particles. Cholesterol appears more likely to clog arteries when it is transported by small dense protein particles. The study revealed that regular exercise produces bigger transport proteins that reduce the potential risk of cholesterol even if the cholesterol level remains the same. It seems it is exercise's ability to change the size and density of cholesterol- carrying protein that results in less damage.
Exercise is not enough, however. It will require dietary reduction of saturated fat and possibly prescription medications to reduce LDL cholesterol. Always consult your physician to help you develop a long-term plan.
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