Summer apparently does a body good! Research shows cholesterol levels seem to fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Our craving for fatty comfort food increases in the winter, which raises cholesterol levels. On the other hand, the lowest levels of the dangerous substance register in the summer months. It’s not so much about the heat; it’s what we eat, or don’t eat, when the weather warms up.

Before we get into the summer diet changes you might want to adopt to keep your cholesterol in check  year-round, it is important to know the facts about cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. Yes, need. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. The extra cholesterol in your body comes from foods you consume – such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and tropical oils. Some of those foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it should.

You may have heard that there are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is bad, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good. Too much of the bad kind, or not enough of the good kind, increases the risk cholesterol will slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain and lead to serious health issues such as a heart attack or stroke.

Experts say you should not shrug off the potential health effects of the seasonal fluctuations in your cholesterol levels. In fact, it might be a great idea to consider adding a bit of summer all year long when it comes to your eating habits.

Here are some summer-season foods that can help lower your cholesterol levels.

Apricots – This fruit is a great source of fiber. Fiber allows the body to get rid of cholesterol. The high beta carotene content in apricots also helps prevent LDL cholesterol (the bad one) from oxidizing and clogging arteries. Fresh apricots are in season during late spring and throughout the summer. You can easily import this healthy fruit into your winter diet by eating dried apricots, which will provide the same health benefits.

Raspberries – Also a fantastic source of cholesterol-busting fiber, these little berries are packed with tons of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B2, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium, and copper. While considered a summer staple, raspberries are grown and distributed across the country well into November.

Avocados – While popular in summer salads and side dishes like guacamole, this green goodie is usually available all year round. Research suggests that adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese.

Asparagus – This high fiber vegetable also contains compounds called saponins, which have repeatedly been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Their intake has also been associated with improved blood pressure, improved blood sugar regulation, and better control of blood cholesterol levels. If you can’t find fresh, you can substitute canned or frozen asparagus.

Of course, you can’t lower your cholesterol levels by eating one or two of these foods on a random basis. Health experts recommend following a balanced diet combined with regular exercise.

Check Your Levels

Regular testing is an easy way to keep track of your cholesterol levels. Any Lab Test Now® offers the most advanced cholesterol panel available. The Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus (LPP+) measures the size and density of your LDL cholesterol to provide you with the clearest picture of your cardiovascular risk.

You don’t need a doctor’s order to get your cholesterol checked, and you can walk in for same-day testing at any of our locations. Once you have your results, you can consult with a physician to find out if treatment is necessary. To learn more about the LPP+ screening, click here.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including determining your cholesterol levels.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus pandemic. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.