High-Density Lipoprotein

High-Density lipoprotein (HDL) is the compact or high density form of cholesterol that also known as the “good” cholesterol. HDL helps transport the excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from your arteries to the liver where it can be metabolized. The higher the level of your HDL, the better it is for your health. People who have low levels of HDL cholesterol are at higher risk for heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol; however, LDL cholesterol is bad for your body only if you have too much in your bloodstream or you have too much of the particularly harmful type. LDL cholesterol is an essential building block for cell membranes and the substance from which hormones, including
cortisol and testosterone, are manufactured. The amount of LDL cholesterol that exceeds what your body needs, however, flows through your bloodstream and increases the likelihood of the formation of plaque that can block blood flow. If you have high total cholesterol but it is mostly HDL, then that’s a good thing. Unfortunately, most people’s total cholesterol is composed mainly of LDL cholesterol, which is why having high cholesterol is generally considered bad for health.