What Is Good and Bad Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is oftentimes regarded to as molecules that can jeopardize the health. Although this is partly true, it is important to note that there are certain cholesterol - which are popularly known as "good cholesterol" which are needed by every cell in the body for proper functioning. Let us get to know more about good and bad cholesterol and how that should affect your personal health choices.

First things first: what is cholesterol? For humans, cholesterol is a building block in many important cell components. There are a number of vital molecules and hormones in the body that are synthesized from cholesterol including components of bile and sex hormones. The human body can synthesize its own cholesterol for optimum body functioning. However, it can't produce enough which is why some cholesterol should be obtained through the food we eat.

Cholesterol molecules don't dissolve in the blood so they are being transported all around the body through carriers, which are called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins come in two forms depending on the amount of fat and protein they contain. These lipoproteins can be low or high-density - the difference of which is the difference between good and bad cholesterol.

LDLs or Bad Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein carries most of the cholesterol in the blood. LDL molecules are much larger and less dense than HDLs, and they are also less table. What makes them the "bad" ones is that they readily oxidize and can form plaque (thick, hard deposits) on the arterial walls, which can narrow down the passageway of the blood and make arteries less flexible. This condition is medically termed as atherosclerosis. When a clot forms due to the narrowed arteries, a stroke or a heart attack can result.

HDLs or "Good" Cholesterol

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are dense molecules that transport cholesterol to the liver. We can think of HDLs as "drain cleaners" which removes cholesterol from the arteries to keep them from forming plaques. These good cholesterols counter the effect of bad cholesterol and protects against atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The Balance between Good and Bad Cholesterol

To promote optimum cardiovascular health, there should optimally be a balance in the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the blood stream. In other words, the levels of LDL, HDL and total cholesterol in the blood are all indicators that determine one's risk for atherosclerosis and heart attack. Low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL may increase the risk for heart attack. However, those with cholesterol levels of 275 or more are also at significant risk for developing heart conditions regardless of high HDL levels.

Finally, the proper balance between good and bad cholesterol can often be restored and maintained by eating a balanced diet, exercising, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. There are also medicines and supplements that may help to increase HDL levels. One supplement that many people take for its potential health supporting nutrition is fish oil, which is known to be good for a healthy heart.

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