If you want to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, one of the most important steps you can take is to raise levels of your good cholesterol known as HDL. Although there are prescription drugs that can help to raise blood HDL levels, they may have significant side effects. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to naturally raise HDL levels and reduce your risk of heart disease such as:

Cholesterol is another important factor to consider when determining your risk of developing heart disease. Be sure to have your cholesterol level checked regularly by your family doctor. If it's elevated, ask if your cholesterol might respond to natural treatments such as diet and exercise before starting prescription medications. There are a variety of good cookbooks that can show you how to prepare heart healthy recipes.