Curb Two Health Risks with This One Protein

Reduce cancer risk and control cholesterol with one protein choice? Maybe so, if that protein is salmon.

Salmon -- and other fatty fish like trout and herring -- may help boost blood levels of good cholesterol. But here's the kicker. That same heart-healthy act could slash the risk of several different types of cancer as well. So warm up the broiler and slice some lemon.

HDL and Cancer
A recent review of several studies revealed that the risk of certain cancers -- including lung, colon, prostate, and breast -- may be affected by HDL levels. In the studies, the risk of these cancers took a nosedive in people with bountiful levels of the good-for-you kind of cholesterol. Seems the inflammation dampening that results from high HDL may also help discourage the survival, growth, and spread of various tumor cells. (Try this recipe for crunchy Cashew Salmon with Apricot Couscous.)

HDL Boost from the Sea
Having high HDL won't guarantee that you'll never get cancer -- and more research is needed to confirm the link. But the latest research is just one more really fine reason -- in addition to the already-known heart health benefits -- to focus on bolstering your HDL levels. So throw some omega-3-rich salmon on the grill, and also try these other key ways to get your good cholesterol soaring:

• Dust off your walking shoes. Find out how a walking regimen helps with HDL.
• Have a little hummus. Discover what garbanzo beans do for good cholesterol.
• Enjoy a daily drizzle of olive oil. Here's how it does more than simply raise your HDL.

Did you know? High HDL also helps protect your brain.

RealAge Benefit

Raising your good (HDL) cholesterol can make your RealAge 2.5 years younger if you are a man and 4.7 years younger if you are a woman. Take the RealAge Test!

References

Baseline and on-treatment high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of cancer in randomized controlled trials of lipid-altering therapy. Jafri, H. et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2010 Jun 22;55(25):2846-2854.

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and chronic disease risk marker or causal? Robinson, J. G., Journal of the American College of Cardiology 2010 Jun 22;55(25):2855-2857.

Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger. Take the RealAge Test  Copyright 2010 RealAge