HDL Cholesterol and Your Health

Answer 1

Cholesterol is a vital substance found in every cell of your body. This waxy substance has a variety of functions, yet the most important function of this compound is to help construct bodily cells. Cholesterol is transported throughout your body by attaching themselves to proteins, which are referred to as lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins found in the human body: low-density, or LDL, and high-density, or HDL.

What's the Difference

The primary difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol is its responsibilities within the human body. The purpose of LDL cholesterol is to transport cholesterol to various tissues and organs; however, if excess LDL cholesterol is circulating throughout arteries, it begins to attach itself to artery walls, which causes a buildup of plaque. This accumulation narrows arteries, which can ultimately block blood flow and lead to coronary artery disease.

HDL cholesterol works by circulating throughout the bloodstream and attaching itself to excess LDL cholesterol. Once attached, HDL cholesterol transports this surplus of cholesterol to the liver where it is broken down and removed. Thus, having high HDL cholesterol levels is beneficial for artery health by reducing LDL levels and preventing plaque accumulation.

Target HDL Cholesterol Levels

When it comes to HDL cholesterol, the higher the levels the better. Men and women should aim for a HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL (milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood) or higher. Having HDL levels less than 40 mg/dL is undesirable, and research has found having such a low level puts you at risk of developing Heart disease.

How to Raise HDL Cholesterol

There are several ways you can naturally enhance your HDL cholesterol levels, which include: aerobic exercise, avoiding cigarette smoke, eliminating trans fatty acids and enhancing soluble fiber intake. Controlling HDL Cholesterol levels is a multi-disciplinary approach, which must involve dietary and lifestyle alterations.

Perhaps one of the most interesting ways of increasing HDL levels is to consume one to two alcoholic drinks per day, such as wine or clear liquor. According to the American Heart Association journal "Circulation," researchers found that consuming a moderate amount of alcohol on a daily basis significantly increased HDL levels while simultaneously decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis.