Good and bad Cholesterol

Most of us know that there is good and bad cholesterol in our body. Following is an excerpt from a local newspaper that clearly explains the difference between them. I found it very educational and hence thought of sharing it here.

Q: Since cholesterol is a single molecule, how can it be "good" and "bad?"

A: You are correct in that the cholesterol molecule itself isn't inherently good or bad. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in the blood stream and in the body's cells. It's essential for good health and serves several functions, including the formation of cell membranes and certain hormones. Our bodies couldn't survive without it. What makes cholesterol good or bad isn't the molecule itself, but the type of protein particle that is carrying the cholesterol in the blood stream.

When low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, particles pick up cholesterol, they carry cholesterol from the liver to the other parts of the body. This function is essential to good health. But if there are too many particles, problems arise, because the LDL carriers start to store the cholesterol in arteries throughout the body, causing buildup. So if a cholesterol test measures a high level of LDL particles in your blood, that means too much cholesterol is being moved and stored in your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease.

Now, if cholesterol is picked up by a high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, particle, it's a good thing. That's because the HDL particles scavenge excess cholesterol in the blood stream and carry it back to the liver so it can be eliminated from the body. If a blood test finds a lot of HDL particles, that means you've got a strong cleanup crew taking care of excess cholesterol. If your HDL levels are too low, that means there aren't enough particles available to help dispose of excess cholesterol.

Thanks Varshini for the simple explanation of LDL and HDL. How many times I read it, I used to forget which is good and which is bad. Later, I developed a simple pnemonic to remember. Here it is..

Lower the Low Density (or)
Limit the Low Density

Hi,
Thanks a ton for posting this.Its way helpful to understand why good cholestrol is needed.?
If someone knows what eatables brings with them good cholestrol ingredients, then please post.
I know almonds are good.

Thanks for posting this again
Manisha

Hi all,
Afaik, a lot of high fibre food is helpful in increasing HDL like Oats, whole wheat/grain breads, beans, peas, fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots etc). Prefer fruit to juice.

Have a healthy heart

-Monsi

Dear Manisha,

To increase the god cholestrol HDL, physical activity is a must. You have to keep moving and get your metabolic rates higher.
Niacin, an ingredient in the Vitamin B family will help in the increasing of HDL and also in decreasing triglycerides.
this niacin is available in the fish, liver and the poultry foods. For the vegetarians the flax seeds should help. They are available as capsules like seven seas cod liver oil capsules. . You can also add flax seeds into our food intake.
Vitamin D- This is a fat soluble vitamin , which also helps to dissolve LDL and the unwanted fats stored in our body. Early morning walk is beneficial to this . From the food it is available from, milk, tuna, fish oils, whole grains and pulses, green leafy vegetables.
Regular execise for atleast 30 minutes per day is needed to increase HDL and at the sametime decrease LDL and triglycerides, with a diet of low fats and high fibre is very very important.
Love
Latha

Good information..
Helps understand about LDL and HDL in a easy and effective way.

Thankyou for the wonderful explanation!