There's good (HDL) cholesterol and there's bad (LDL) cholesterol, yet when people say the word cholesterol, most people's minds immediately jump to the negative. However, just as it's important to keep your LDL low, you also want to make sure your HDL is as high as it should be.

Fortunately, many foods that help lower "bad" cholesterol can also help boost your "good" cholesterol. An example can be found in mixed berries. In a recent study, people with high blood pressure (a condition that can sometimes be attributed to cholesterol levels) who ate berries daily saw a seven point drop in their systolic blood pressure after only eight weeks. What's more, not only did their blood pressure go down, but their HDL went up, too.

Regular exercise can also dramatically improve both good and bad cholesterol levels. Doctors recommend getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three times a week for best results.