Good Cholesterol, Bad Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol, LDL, which is low density lipoprotein (the bad cholesterol), and HDL, or high density lipoprotein, which is good cholesterol. While the combined and LDL numbers in your lipid panel should be kept as low as possible, it is desirable to have the good cholesterol numbers at least above 35; preferable considerably higher. Good diet will raise your levels of good cholesterol, and lower levels of bad cholesterol.

A fact that is little known is that as well as lowering levels of bad cholesterol, exercise, even moderate exercise, will raise levels of good cholesterol. So there's yet another reason to make an effort to stick to some kind of exercise regimen! Losing weight is another desirable aid to raising good cholesterol levels. Sticking to a low carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and moderate amounts of good oils, such as olive oil, will help you lose weight successfully.

Why LDL is So Bad

Why is HDL good cholesterol and LDL bad cholesterol? Simply because LDL can penetrate the walls of the arteries where it oxidizes due to unstable molecules called free radicals. This reaction, put simply, is what causes plaque on the walls of arteries. HDL does not do this, so does not form arterial plaque, and so is referred to as good cholesterol.

This forming of plaque by LDL is called atherosclerosis and is a major contributor to coronary disease and heart attacks. That's why we are all urged to do every thing we can to keep levels of bad cholesterol down and levels of good cholesterol as high as possible. Remember, you need to take care of your diet to do this. Stop eating fast food, include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and healthy oils that have been cold pressed, or are in their natural state, as with avocados or nuts.