Did you know the Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and College of Montpellier funded professionals suggested that managing 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol can help avoid emotional conditions among aging adults?

In a recently available issue of the publication Biological Psychiatry c published in July 2010, leading researcher Doctor. Marie-Laure Ancelin of INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale http://www.inserm.fr) documented that gender specific regulation of levels of cholesterol can help stop depression in the seniors.

 French analysts followed a significant number of men and women aged sixty-five and older for 7 years.

 They determined that depression in women was connected with low levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

 In contrast, depressive disorder in men was related to low levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This association was strongest in men with a hereditary vulnerability to depression related to a serotonin transporter gene.

 Therefore, proper regulation of HDL-C and LDL-C levels may help stop depressive disorder in the elderly, the researchers concluded.

 The analysis appeared in the July 15 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry (Reference: http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(10)00393-8/abstract).

 Major diet sources of cholesterol include cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp. Plant products such as flax seeds and peanuts include cholesterol-like compounds called phytosterols.

 Total cholesterol means the sum of HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (Very-low-density lipoprotein). Usually, only the total, HDL, and triglycerides are tested.

 It is suggested to have cholesterol tested more often than five years if someone has total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and up, or if a man over age forty five or a woman over age fifty has HDL (good) cholesterol under 40 mg/dL, or exist other risk factors for coronary disease and stroke.

 So...exactly what can you do to increase your HDL (good) and decrease your LDL (bad) levels?

  1. Physical exercise can substantially increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.

  2. Smoking cigarettes has been shown to lower HDL while raising LDL cholesterol.

 3. Highly processed, trans fats simultaneously raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.

  4. Monounsaturated fats such as those found in extra virgin olive oil and avocados increase HDL and lower LDL.

 5. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines contain omega-3 fats that raise HDL and lower LDL.

  6. Whole, intact cereals contain dietary fiber and niacin, both of which raise HDL and may lower LDL.