What is HDL Cholesterol.

HDL is combination of cholesterol and protein. As explained in the earlier post on LDL, Cholesterol uses the protein for transport through the blood as it is waxy in nature and cannot dissolve in blood.  It is called High Density because the protein content is high while the cholesterol content is low. HDL Cholesterol or High Density Lipoprotein has the  smallest particle size amongst the lipoprotein particles.

Functions of HDL|Benefits of HDL.

This is the lipoprotein which carries the cholesterol from the blood to the liver. HDL is called the Good Cholesterol.

1. This is so because HDL carries the cholesterol from the blood and the Atheroma ( Cholesterol deposited on the arterial walls) to the liver for excretion into the small intestines through the bile either directly as cholesterol or as bile acids. This is called reverse cholesterol transport and is indicative of the beneficial effect of HDL.
2. HDL along with its protein and cholesterol has an inhibitive action on
   • Oxidation,
   • Platelet aggregation and coagulation, and
   • Activation of the endothelium. Endothelium is the innermost lining of all the blood vessels of the circulatory system. HDL thus helps to maintain a healthy endothelium which thereby performs important functions such as maintaining blood pressure, forming new blood vessels, preventing atherosclerosis and coagulation of blood.

HDL Cholesterol Levels.

While higher levels of LDL are harmful, the higher the levels of HDL, the more beneficial it is to your health. This is because HDL carries the unnecessary cholesterol from the blood in the arteries to the liver for excretion through the bile into the intestine. Below is the table showing HDL Levels.

• Optimal               – more than 60 – lower risk of heart disease.
• Low in men        — less than 40 – a risk factor for heart disease.
• Low in women   –  less than 50.                   ”

For a detailed understanding of cholesterol levels, do read the article on Cholesterol tests.

It is important therefore to raise HDL levels or have high HDL levels, as shown above. How you can do this explained below:

Diet and Life Style Habits for High HDL Levels| How to increase HDL.

• Exercises such as aerobics.
• Do not smoke.
• Keep alcohol intake within moderate limits. – One peg for women and two pegs for men.
• Avoid being overweight.
• HDL Foods: Use cooking supplements such as fish oil or flax oil, which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
• Stick to a diet which is rich in soluble fiber and unsaturated fats.

Complications of  Low  HDL Levels or Low High Density Cholesterol levels.

• Higher risk of Atherosclerosis.
• Higher risk of coronary heart disease.
• Higher risk of oxidation of body cells.
• Other cardiovascular complications as explained and illustrated in Low Density Lipoproteins.

Complications of low HDL  can increase  chances of high LDL levels and complications of high LDL cholesterol.

Summary: HDL.

HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol. You need high HDL cholesterol levels in your blood for a healthy heart. Low HDL will have complications that will adversely affect your health and heart. You can increase and raise HDL by eating HDL foods and following certain tips mentioned above.

Related posts:

1. LDL – Low Density Lipoprotein|Bad Fats.
2. Foods High in Triglycerides.
3. High Cholesterol Treatment.
4. Complications of High Cholesterol.
5. Treatment of High Triglycerides.
6. High Triglycerides.