What to eat when HDL is low

Aug 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

In general, individuals with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels can typically adjust their condition by consuming foods such as deep-sea fish, nuts, olive oil, oats, and soybeans. Additionally, medications such as pravastatin sodium tablets, simvastatin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, rosuvastatin calcium tablets, and fenofibrate capsules may be taken under a doctor's guidance. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance.

Generally, individuals with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels can benefit from consuming deep-sea fish, nuts, olive oil, oats, soybeans, and other similar foods. Additionally, medications such as pravastatin sodium tablets, simvastatin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, rosuvastatin calcium tablets, and fenofibrate capsules may be taken under medical guidance. If concerns persist, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Deep-sea fish: Such as salmon and cod, are rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. These components help regulate blood lipid levels, promote HDL synthesis, and reduce the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thus exerting a positive effect on improving low HDL levels.

2. Nuts: Such as almonds and walnuts, contain abundant unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and plant sterols. These nutrients can lower harmful cholesterol levels in the blood, indirectly increasing HDL levels while providing essential nutrition and assisting in lipid regulation.

3. Olive oil: Especially extra virgin olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. It can replace saturated fats in the daily diet, helping to improve blood lipid profiles and promote an increase in HDL levels. It is suitable for everyday cooking use.

4. Oats: Contain rich amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble dietary fiber that binds to cholesterol, reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption and helping to elevate HDL levels. Oats are ideal as part of breakfast or a staple food.

5. Soybeans: Including yellow soybeans and black soybeans, contain soy isoflavones and plant sterols that regulate lipid metabolism in the body, reduce harmful cholesterol, and promote HDL synthesis, offering some supportive benefits for improving low HDL levels.

II. Medications

1. Pravastatin Sodium Tablets: Belong to the statin class of drugs and can inhibit cholesterol synthesis, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and mildly increase HDL levels. These tablets are suitable for patients with hyperlipidemia and should be used according to the prescribed course under a physician's guidance.

2. Simvastatin Tablets: As a statin drug, it regulates blood lipid levels by reducing cholesterol production in the liver, lowering LDL, and assisting in elevating HDL. It is commonly used to improve abnormal lipid levels and must be strictly used according to medical instructions.

3. Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets: Effectively lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while having a certain effect on increasing HDL levels. These are suitable for individuals with low HDL combined with other lipid abnormalities and require dosage adjustments based on specific medical conditions.

4. Rosuvastatin Calcium Tablets: A potent statin drug that regulates blood lipid levels, lowers harmful cholesterol, and helps increase HDL levels. It is suitable for treating various lipid disorders and must be taken according to medical instructions.

5. Fenofibrate Capsules: Belong to the fibrate class of drugs and are primarily used to lower triglycerides while mildly increasing HDL levels. They are suitable for individuals with low HDL accompanied by high triglyceride levels. Due to potential side effects, their use must be closely monitored by a physician.

To improve low HDL levels, individuals should maintain a light diet in daily life, reduce intake of saturated and trans fats, engage in regular physical activity, and manage body weight. Medications must be strictly taken as prescribed, and self-medication or arbitrary dosage adjustments should be avoided.

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What does it mean to have low HDL cholesterol?

In general, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels may be associated with factors such as lack of physical activity, obesity, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate intake of vitamins and protein, and consume more vegetables and fruits.

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What does high HDL cholesterol indicate?

High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) typically indicate that HDL levels in the blood exceed the normal range. HDL is considered a beneficial type of cholesterol that helps transport cholesterol from blood vessel walls and other peripheral tissues to the liver for metabolism and excretion. This process aids in reducing cholesterol deposition in blood vessel walls and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.