October
What Cholesterol Is Good Cholesterol?
The whole debate about cholesterol has been going on for decades. The arguments for and against egg yolks are still going strong. Well, you don’t have to give up on your omelet just yet! We know now that there are two different types of cholesterol, one good and one bad. But what really is ‘good’ cholesterol and what does it do?
What Exactly Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in your blood. Tiny carriers called lipoproteins transport the cholesterol through your bloodstream. There are several types of lipoproteins, among them the two types are low-density lipoproteins, also known as LDL, or high-density lipoproteins, or HDL. These two lipoproteins among others and triglyceride level make your total cholesterol count.
What Is HDL (Good) Cholesterol?
HDL is considered good cholesterol because it helps move cholesterol esters from the rest of the body to the liver where it is processed to bile acids and removed from the body.
Why Is HDL Important?
People who have a high HDL level showed lower risk for heart attack and stroke. People with high LDL have an increased risk of heart disease.
Foods With High HDL
In order to increase your HDL, you need to eat foods that contain heart-healthy fats such as fish and olive oil in moderation. Eating high-fiber foods such as oatmeal and oat bran have also been shown to reduce your LDL. Having a high HDL and a low LDL is one of the best ways to improve your overall heart-health.
For more information about good cholesterol and heart-healthy diets, contact Brookhaven Heart. Call 631-654-3278 to schedule your appointment with one of our specialists today.
