Understanding The Good And Bad Cholesterol

In many cases the mention of the word cholesterol invokes terrible imaginations of heart attack, stroke, hypertension and even sudden death. This is because cholesterol has for long been associated with terrible cardiovascular disease such resulting from the hardening of the arteries. This all is true but the in most discussion this is only the other half of the truth told. In reality the idea of cholesterol involves both good and bad cholesterol. These are known medically as HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Both are found in our bodies and are needed for our bodies to function well.

HDL or good cholesterol is produced in the liver and works to balance out LDL with is bad cholesterol. LDL is introduced to the body primarily through animal products and some fats that we eat especially in certain diets such as fast food. It creates a plaque in the arteries that narrows the arteries giving rise to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and even heart attack.

The reason why there is an assumption that all cholesterol is bad is because it is only LDL which is a matter of concern. However any imbalance in HDl cholesterol is also likely to cause trouble as our bodies need a balance between the two to function properly. If HDL or good cholesterol falls to very low levels one is also prone to heart attack just one what happens when one has to much LDL cholesterol. Exactly how HDl benefits the body is still an area that has different perspectives. It is believed by some doctors that HDL transports LDL to the liver and cause sit to exist the body. Yet other experts believe that HDL slows the build-up of arterial plaque brought about by LDL which the bad cholesterol.

In as much as medical science encourages people to control the build up of bad cholesterol by controlling what we eat, there is also an equal effort to encourage people to boost their HDL cholesterol. Avoiding fast foods, keeping a healthy weight, exercising and eating lots of fruits and veggies in addition to whole foods diet are important ways of fighting high cholesterol. The practical ways of boosting your HDL cholesterol including quitting smoking, exercising more, drinking alcohol in moderation as well picking healthier fats. There are also specific foods that increase HDL levels in addition to lowering LDl cholesterol levels. These foods will include niacin, fibrates, and statins.

Understanding with clarity the two types of cholesterol will help us keep out health on watch more effectively. Our quest for low cholesterol will hopefully not one sided but will also involve boosting the equally important HDL cholesterol. It also needs to be understood that bad cholesterol levels can be along family lines. This means knowing your family history in as far as issues of heart diseases and so on can be beneficial in the future. Cholesterol levels can be tested by your doctor through a blood test done at the laboratory. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment path to follow.