The Other Cholesterol

Everybody wants to live a healthy life by having a healthy body. That is why when when hear the word cholesterol we all think are the oily and fatty foods which means bad cholesterol. But there is other cholesterol that our body also needed – the good cholestrol.

Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipids, Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol and High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.

Although most research focus on LDLs, some information is available that can help you pull your diet in order to boost the HDL as well. One way is by choosing the right types of fat for your diet, your body need some fats also. Look into the two other types of fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. You’ll find these in olive or canola oils, as well as some types of fish and nuts. Avocados are also a good source of monounsaturated fats, too. Eating more foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids can also help your HDL to LDL ratio improve. These fatty acids can be found in a wide-range of popular fish, including tuna and salmon. Other “good” cholesterol foods include fish oil, soybean products, and leafy green vegetables.

Other ways to increase HDL levels is to engage into regular aerobic exercise. Lose weight, obesity results not only in increased LDL cholesterol, but also in reduced HDL cholesterol. Give up your nicotine cravings and lessen alcohol intake.

Tagged as: Aerobic Exercise, Canola Oils, Types Of Fats