The New York Times reports that "as little as one extra hour a week of moderate physical activity--like taking a brisk walk" has shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in women. This is the first time that exercise and LDL levels have been directly linked by a study.
It's well-known that physical activity can improve heart-healthy HDL--the "good" cholesterol"--but for some women, it appears that regular exercise can perform double duty by reducing LDL as well.
If you're confused by the alphabet soup of cholesterol, don't worry--the American Heart Association can help. Their guide to understanding your cholesterol numbers can be found here. The important message is, get moving! You don't have to be a marathon runner to reap the benefits of exercise.
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