Men who exercise on a regular basis may have lower cholesterol levels. The type of exercise that seems to be most helpful in reducing cholesterol levels is aerobic exercise. The research showed that this type of exercise is also good for reducing the risk of heart disease.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the body’s cells. Our bodies make cholesterol in order to make other substances like vitamin D or hormones. It also makes substances to help us digest food. Cholesterol is also found in the food we eat. Foods that we eat that contain cholesterol include poultry, meat, and dairy products. When we eat foods like this that are high in saturated and trans-fats, our livers produce even more cholesterol. When our bodies produce too much cholesterol, plaque develops in the walls of the arteries. This can lead to serious health conditions such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

One study from researchers at the University of South Carolina, Columbia analyzed 12,000 men between the ages of 20 and 90. When they entered the study, each participant had no known high cholesterol levels, triglycerides, cardiovascular disease or cancer. Men were excluded from the analysis if they had a history of heart attack, stroke or cancer. Each had 2 to 25 follow-up examinations where lipid levels and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were determined,

The researchers created data models and determined that the total cholesterol levels which combine LDL, triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol gradually increased until about the age of 45 to 55 and then declined. Men who did little cardio exercise developed high cholesterol (about 200 mg/dL) in their 30s.

The study concluded that engaging in more frequent physical exercise is important in cholesterol health in young to middle-age men and can help delay the increase in cholesterol levels that is associated with age. These findings add support to the previous studies that show the benefits of exercise in terms of cholesterol.

As a normal part of aging for men, lipid levels other than HDL cholesterol increase from about age 20 to middle age and then decline. High cholesterol increases a man’s risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Genetics may also play a role in the development of high cholesterol. What can be controlled are lifestyle choices that can affect cholesterol levels such as unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol intake.

A simple blood test performed by your doctor can detect your cholesterol. Both men and women should have their cholesterol levels checked every 5 years after they turn 20. Monitoring your levels and any changes is key to understanding your risk factor for developing high cholesterol.

The lipoprotein profile include:

· Total cholesterol. A high total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and above.

· LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol). A high LDL is 130 ng/dL and above.

· HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol). The higher, the better. A low HDL is less than 40 ng/dL. A low HDL is a major risk factor for heart disease.

· Triglycerides. A high triglyceride level is 150 ng/dL and above.