Difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol
Cholesterol is a kind of steroid metabolite is present in the cell membranes and is important for the production of bile acids and vitamin D and steroid hormones. There are two kinds of cholesterol namely, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol is called the good cholesterol and the latter, bad cholesterol. HDL or the High density lipo proteins are required for the appropriate functioning of the body especially the heart and it is important that there is required amount of HDL cholesterol in the body.
On the contrary, LDL cholesterol or the low density lipo protein is one whose level is to be within the permissible limits. There are numerous discommodious effects that the LDL cholesterol can bring about. Some of the ill effects of high LDL cholesterol levels are cancers, clogging of the blood vessels leading to heart attack, other heart related diseases, the liver is also likely to get damaged and most of all, problems like high blood pressure and diabetes are common. In order to avoid such detrimental effects, it is important to find ways of raising the HDL cholesterol to fight the heart diseases.
HDL cholesterol for the heart
The heart related diseases are highly prevalent in today’s world and studies have it that about twenty six percent of deaths in the U.S have been the upshot of fatal heart diseases. When there is excessive amount of LDL cholesterol in the body, the arteries are likely to get blocked making it difficult for the blood to flow through them. Thus the heart requires straining more to draw blood from the arteries which may lead to heart attack.
You must therefore work to reduce the LDL cholesterol levels and have the HDL cholesterol levels raised so that there are no complications in the heart and fight atherosclerosis. The HDL cholesterol is required for the body as it lowers the fat content and also supposedly has anti oxidative powers which are added advantages. The health of the cell membranes is also maintained better. The transportation of vitamins and anti oxidant enzymes is also carried out by the HDL cholesterol and there is also a control of blood pressure.
Raising HDL cholesterol
- One of the best ways of raising the HDL cholesterol and reducing the LDL cholesterol levels is to practice exercise regularly. An early morning brisk walk or jogging or cycling can serve as one of the best exercises.
- The diet is another factor that depends upon the improved levels of HDL cholesterol. You diet must include LDL cholesterol lowering foods that contain soluble fiber which can help reduce the risks related to the heart. Inclusion of nuts can also increase the levels of HDL cholesterol.
- It is also important to impede the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol. This can raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, thereby resulting in better health.