Good Cholesterol (HDL) v/s Bad Cholesterol (LDL)

Cholesterol is associated with Heart Diseases. Not all cholesterol is bad. 

There are two types of cholesterol - 

LDL and HDL that affects the body negatively and positively  respectively.

1 # LDL: Low Density Lipoprotien is Bad Cholesterol

# LDL: If the amount of LDL is high and cholesterol gets deposited in your arteries, it is bad for you as it could make the arteries narrower.

Levels of LDL: 

The level of cholesterol is determined by a blood test done after 12 hours of fasting.

LDL: 160 - 189 mg/dL

Boderline LDL: 130 - 159 mg/dL

Sources of LDL

Saturated fats like butter, cheese, coconut oil, cream, egg yolks, poultry skin, red meat and whole milk.

Health risk associated with LDL 

LDL is responsible for angina, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke or kidney diseases.

2# HDL: High Density Lipoprotien is Good Cholesterol

# HDL: HDL transports the cholesterol back to the liver from tissues and prevents deposition in the arteries and hence is good.

Levels of HDL 

                                              Men:        above 40 mg/dL

                                              Women: above 50 mg/dL

# Sources of HDL

Almonds, canola oil, cashews, hazelnuts, olive oil , peanut butter, peanut oil, sunflower oil, avocados, soya bean and soya bean oil, walnuts, corn oil, tuna, pumpkin seeds etc. are good sources of MUFA and PUFA. Poultry without skin and fish are low in cholesterol. Cereals, fresh fruit, and vegetables contain no cholesterol.

# Health benefits of HDL Cholesterol

HDL reduces the build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels, hence helps prevent artherosclerosis and its complications. HDL reduces the risk of heart diseases, and those health problems associated with LDL.