Poorva Chavan
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Poorva Chavan | Published : September 30, 2015 2:06 PM IST
September 29 is World Heart Day
When you are in your late 30s or early 40s, your peers and you suddenly become conscious about cholesterol levels -- HDL and LDL, and its impending risks. If you are clueless about what this jargon means, look no further. Dr Alok Chopra, joint managing director, Fortis Aashlok, puts all your questions to rest. Read: 8 surprising facts about cholesterol no one told you.
HDL and LDL are both types of lipoproteins or cholesterol. HDL is the 'good' variety whereas, LDL is the 'bad' one. They are both complexes of lipids and proteins essential for the transport and clearance of cholesterol triglycerides and fat soluble vitamins in the blood. 75% of the cholesterol is made by the body and the rest comes from food.
What makes one good and the other bad?
The density of any lipoprotein is determined by the amount of lipid and protein composition. LDL is the largest and least dense and makes up the most of the lipoproteins, and HDL is the lightest and most dense, carrying up to a third of lipoproteins--hence they are called High and Low-Density Lipoproteins. LDL or the 'bad cholesterol' combines with other substances and clogs up the arteries with plaque. Whereas, HDL, or the good cholesterol, helps to remove the bad cholesterol and protects against the effects of bad cholesterol, so the higher the levels, the better for patients with heart disease. Eat these 6 foods to boost your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
If it is bad, why does your body need LDL?
Even if they are bad, LDL molecules are an important component of cellular health. They transport cholesterol molecules into the cells[1] that are required to give extra support to the cells, making cell walls rigid and preventing small molecules to pass through the cell membrane.
What are the ideal levels of HDL and LDL in the body?
LDL levels should be somewhere between 70 to 100mg and HDL levels should be above 40mg. Also, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is important, i.e. if the total is 200 and HDL, say 50, so a ratio of 4 to 1 or lower is recommended. A diet high in saturated and trans fats raises the levels of LDL. Saturated fats occur in foods of animal origin like red meat, eggs, milk based dairy products and trans fats in over processed oils , margarine in many baked goods , fried foods and cookies and over the counter sweet meats. To boost HDL levels, you can include nuts, certain types of fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, flaxseeds, garlic and oats in your diet. You may like to know about 7 foods that help you keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Image source: Shutterstock
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditionssection. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For health related Q&A, click here!
Reference:
1. Jeon H, Blacklow SC. Structure and physiologic function of the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Annu Rev Biochem.2005;74:535-62. Review. PubMed PMID: 15952897.
