HDL - A Good Cholesterol And How To Increase
Ordinary, we know cholesterol mostly in negative aspect. In fact, we actually need cholesterol to make bile salts, hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol is generally created by liver. Cholesterol will stick to the artery walls if you have too high level of cholesterol in the blood. Mainly, there are 2 types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
HDL or good Cholesterol
In our blood, there are allow one-fourth to one-third of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).High levels of HDL cholesterol seem to protect against heart attack. On other hand, low levels of HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL) increase the risk of heart disease. There is some proof that the HDL cholesterol molecules clean up the blood vessels walls, and cleans out excess cholesterol and is being transported back to the liver for further processing.
LDL or bad Cholesterol
High amounts of the bad LDL cholesterol will deposit cholesterol on the blood vessels walls forming plaques. More and more plaques will narrow the blood vessels and may finally block blood flow. As a result LDL cholesterol is considered the bad cholesterol. Importantly, saturated fats and trans fatty acids are factors that raise blood cholesterol. Unsaturated fats which found in nuts and fish can lower the LDL cholesterol level. In addition, soluble fiber found in fruits, oats, barley and legumes can also lower LDL cholesterol.
Increasing the GOOD cholesterol
Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging or bike riding, which boost up your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, may be the most useful way to enhance HDL levels. The duration of exercise, evidently, is rather important than the intensity of exercise increasing HDL cholesterol. Obesity also consequences in increased LDL cholesterol and also reduces HDL cholesterol. If you have excess weight, you should reduce your weight to increase your HDL levels.
If you smoke, giving up tobacco will cause in an increase in HDL levels. Drink alcohol, other factor, can significantly increase HDL levels. More than one or two drinks per day can speed up health problems including heart failure and there are individuals who will, probably develop such problems even when limiting their alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day.
Trans fatty acids are currently present in many foods which label partially hydrogenated vegetable oils so cutting trans fat from the diet is not easy. Trans fatty acids not only increase LDL cholesterol levels, but also reduce HDL cholesterol levels. Removing them from your food will significantly in increasing HDL level. On other hand, increase the monounsaturated fats such as canola oil, avocado oil, or olive oil and in the fats found in peanut butter in your diet can increase HDL cholesterol levels without increasing the total cholesterol.
You should eat more soluble fiber because it both reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Soluble fibers are found in oats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Other dietary means to increasing HDL is cranberry juice which has been shown to increase HDL levels. Fish and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can also increase HDL levels.
Related Themes:
MayoClinic.com Feature Focuses on High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol, which is found in every cell of the body, is used to build healthy cells, as well as some vital hormones. An individual who has high blood cholesterol may develop fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits can clog arteries and reduce blood flow. As a result, the heart may not get enough oxygen-rich blood, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke ().
Maintaining a Normal Cholesterol Level is Within Your Reach
It is common knowledge today that cholesterol is not always bad. There is actually good cholesterol - the HDL or the high-density lipoprotein - which helps in carrying the cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver where it is processed into harmless components. There are a number of studies undertaken which suggest that for every unit of bad cholesterol reduction, the possibility of heart disease reduces by twice that percentage number.
What Are You Doing to Lower Your Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is substance that is wax like and produced by the liver It is found in certain foods and the body can use it to make Vitamin D, hormones, build cell walls, and help you digest fat
Natural Cures for Lowering High Cholesterol, Home Remedies
The foods and the drinks which contain high fat contribute to the cause of high cholesterol. It is also caused due to high stress and alcoholism. When the cholesterol level is very high in the blood then it results into high blood cholesterol. It is not a disease itself but it may be the cause of specific diseases like cardiovascular disease. High blood cholesterol is related to enhanced levels of lipids (hyperlipidemia) and high levels of proteins (hyperlipoproteinemia).
Cholesterol and Life Insurance
It's in the news and seems to pop up in commercials every five minutes
The Difference Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol
There is a soft waxy substance found in fats that are in the blood stream and all of your bodies cells, it is called cholesterol It is used to form cell membranes, hormones, and needed for other things, that's why it is an important part of the health of your body
Cholesterol Levels And Ratios - Are Cholesterol Numbers Confusing You?
Cholesterol levels are being tested as part of regular health screening all over the world yet many people are confused by their cholesterol numbers and how they are expressed Part of this confusion may stem from the fact that most of the cholesterol literature is coming from the United States where they still report cholesterol levels in units that are different from those used in Canada, Europe and a good portion of the rest of the developed world
