What Is HDL Cholesterol?

People with high cholesterol are at risk for heart disease and are told to avoid certain foods and activities such as smoking, as well as monitoring their cholesterol levels with the help of medical professionals. There are two types of cholesterol, one of which is HDL.

Significance

• Cholesterol is a lipid which the body uses to create membranes and hormones. Lipoproteins help cholesterol travel through blood cells.

Identification

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is colloquially known as good cholesterol, while Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol.

Features

• HDL carries cholesterol away from the heart and towards the liver, thus helping it be expelled from the body. High HDL levels are recommended as protection against heart attacks.

Further Benefits

• HDL removes extra cholesterol from the arteries thus avoiding cholesterol buildup.

Increasing HDL Level

• It is possible to increase good cholesterol levels by exercising, avoiding smoking and alcohol and staying away from trans-fat.