HDL Raising Foods

HDL-Overview

Garlic

Dietary use of garlic may lower some types of cholesterol in the short term, but it does not appear to offer long-term protection against heart disease. While garlic may help to reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, it is not a food that raises HDL.

Alcohol

Moderate alcohol intake actually does raise HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), but does not lower LDL cholesterol. Research studies have shown that HDL can be raised, on average, by 4.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) with moderate alcohol consumption.

While drinking alcohol in moderation may raise HDL, it is not right for everyone. For example, people with high triglycerides should avoid alcohol. Also, alcohol use can result in several different health problems, especially when too much is consumed.

(Click Alcohol and High Cholesterol for more information.)

HDL Raising Foods: Key Points to Remember

Scientists have not yet identified any foods that increase HDL. However, it's important to remember that there are still natural ways of raising HDL. These include:

Exercising
Losing weight, if you are overweight
Quitting smoking, if you smoke.

(Click Raising HDL for more information on how to increase HDL levels.)

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