Good Vs Bad Cholesterol - What is the Difference?

Most people associate the word "cholesterol" with heart health. High cholesterol levels may increase your risk of heart disease. However, you may not know that this just applies to bad types of cholesterol. In fact, there is a type of beneficial cholesterol that can actually prevent heart disease. Thus, it is important to know the difference between the two types so that you can keep yourself healthy.

Cholesterol as a whole comes from a group of molecules called lipids. Lipids, commonly associated with fats, also include things like oils, waxes, fat-soluble vitamins, and several other things. Cholesterol attaches to proteins to move throughout the body, so this pairs circulate through the bloodstream in a group called lipoproteins. The main difference between the good and bad cholesterol is the amount of fat vs. protein that is present in the lipoprotein. The balance between the two affects the density of the total molecule, so cholesterol is divided into high and low density. High density lipoproteins are called HDLs, and this is the beneficial group. Low density lipoproteins, or LDLs, are the dangerous forms of cholesterol groups.

LDL cholesterol contains a higher level of fat versus protein, which means that it can clog your arteries. As the LDL builds up in your bloodstream, it can also cause your blood vessels to harden, a condition called atherosclerosis. As the arteries harden, it may choke the blood supply to your heart or brain. As other plaques begin to catch on this initial hardening, it can eventually cause your blood to clot. This leads to a heart attack or stroke.

There are several foods that are associated with high LDL levels, and if you are watching your cholesterol levels, you should avoid them. If you want a general rule of thumb, animal products tend to have higher LDL levels than whole grains and produce. Eggs, dairy products, red meats, and processed foods. Additionally, foods with trans fat also contains high levels of LDL, so you should stay away from these as well.

High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the good type of cholesterol. Interestingly, HDL contains more protein than fat, which seems to make it more beneficial for your body. Studies have found that HDL cycles back to the liver, allowing it to be processed. Also, some researchers believe that HDL can remove LDL buildup from the walls of your arteries as it goes, which can prevent plaque buildup. There are several foods that you can eat to help lower your LDL levels and protect your heart. These include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish. Also, foods with polyunsaturated fats, like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and pecans, can also reduce your LDL count. Lastly, foods rich in fiber like oatmeal and oat bran has been shown to prevent cholesterol absorption.

While eating healthy and protecting your heart are wonderful steps towards keeping your body in tip-top shape, you should also consider regular visits to the doctor as preventative care. If you need a health insurance plan to help you with your doctor's visits, please visit the healthinsuranceofcalifornia.com website for the independent insurance agents from Catherine Michaels Insurance Services today.

James Witherspoon