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Definition of Good Cholesterol

Cholesterol helps build your body's cells and promotes proper function of sex hormones. Cholesterol comes in two forms. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins and HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. LDL is considered bad cholesterol while HDL is regarded as good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol buildup can lead to heart attacks, heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis.

  1. Function of HDL

    • Good cholesterol, or HDL, picks up the extra cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver via lipoproteins. This prevents bad cholesterol from forming plaque along the artery walls. Generally, the higher level of good cholesterol present in your body the lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

    Benefits of Good Cholesterol

    • Good cholesterol is a protector against heart attacks and artery disease. On its website, the Mayo Clinic states, "HDL may have other protective effects on your heart and blood vessels, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects."

    HDL Cholesterol Considerations

    • HDL cholesterol levels should be anywhere from 40 to 50 mg/dL in men. Women's levels should range from 50 to 60 mg/dL because their sex hormones help produce more HDL cholesterol. An HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL puts you at greater risk for heart disease.

    Expert Insight

    • Peter P. Toth, M.D., PhD, states: "Studies of both men and women worldwide have demonstrated that the risk for atherosclerosis disease is inversely related to blood levels of HDL-C; that is, the higher your HDL, the lower your risk. On the other hand, the lower your HDL-C (1 milligram HDL-C per 1 deciliter of blood), the higher your risk."

    Increasing HDL Cholesterol

    • Diet and exercise are the best ways to increase HDL cholesterol levels. You should also consume lean cuts of meat, and avoid simple carbohydrates, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, exercise three to four times a week, and include cardiovascular exercises as part of your training routine.

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