Good Cholesterol and Bad Cholesterol
There are two predominant forms of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is an essential molecule that helps build cell membranes. Cell membranes cover the outside of cells and are needed to pass substances in and out of cells. Cholesterol also helps the body produce hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from two places: your liver and food. Roughly 75-80% of your cholesterol comes from your liver and the rest comes from food. The more cholesterol you consume through food the less your liver produces. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) your liver produces roughly 1000 mg/dL of cholesterol a day and people consume roughly 200-500 mg/dL a day. The amount your liver produces alone is enough for your body.
"Good" cholesterol is also known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lipoproteins allow fats to be carried through the blood stream. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. This is why it's known as "good" cholesterol because it said to essentially unclog the arteries. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
"Bad" cholesterol is also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver and circulates it in the blood stream, which can create a build-up in the arteries. This is build-up in the arteries can create a clog in the arteries causing a heart attack or heart disease. This is why it is considered "bad" cholesterol.
Actually a ratio of Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is commonly used by physicians, maybe more so than the ratio of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends your Total cholesterol level to be at 200 mg/dL or lower. You are considered "borderline high," if you are between 200 - 239 mg/dL, and you have "high blood cholesterol" at 240 mg/dL or higher. The AHA suggests you have "low" HDL cholesterol, if you are below 40 mg/dL (for men), and below 50 mg/dL (for women). Ideally, both men and women want their HDL cholesterol to be above 60 mg/dL. For LDL cholesterol the AHA says:
The only way to find out your cholesterol level is to have them checked. The best ways to lower your cholesterol, without going on medication, is through a heart healthy diet and cardiovascular exercise. Avoid foods that are high in trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. Smoking can also negatively affect your cholesterol levels. If you are not physically active, it's best to start a moderate program of cardiovascular exercise, doing 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Check out the sections on cardio exercise for exercise ideas and healthy foods to eat for healthy food choices. Also, consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking cholesterol lowering medications.
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