LDL is the acronym for low density lipoproteins, one of the two types of cholesterol found in our bodies. It is called the "bad cholesterol" because it tends to accumulate on the walls of our arteries, causing plaque and contributing significantly to heart disease. You want as little of it as possible, but remember that there will always be considerably more LDL than its counterpart HDL.

Diet and exercise play a big role in reducing the levels of LDL in our bodies. A diet high in saturated fats and transfatty acids contributes to excessively high amounts. Saturated fats are found only in animal products—meats, whole milk dairy products, egg yolks, and poultry. Transfatty acids are found in processed foods. Forget the candy bars, the chips, the milkshakes, the fast food hamburgers, the rich salad dressings. Both saturated fats and transfatty acids are the top contributors to excess weight and obesity, which are almost without exception an indicator for too much LDL in the body. Controlling intake of these, and increasing regular exercise, will therefore make the biggest difference.

How Much LDL Do You Want?

In general, a level of 130 mg/dL or less of LDL in the bloodstream is considered healthy. More than that, especially more than 160 mg/dL, will take you into a risk category. Remember, the more LDL in your bloodstream, the greater the accumulation of plaque along your artery walls, the harder your heart has to pump to circulate blood, and the greater the chances of your suffering a heart attack or stroke. If there is a history of heart disease, however, the suggested level is 100 mg/dL or less.