The Important Difference between LDL and HDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is one of those "big bad" health words everyone is made to be scared of.

Cholesterol fad diets are some of the most popular diets out there, because of fears of bad cholesterol relating to fatty fried foods and fast foods. Cholesterol is also one of the leading sources of strokes and heart disease, so it's no wonder everyone gets scared when your doctor tells you that your cholesterol is up. However, cutting out all your cholesterol isn't the right choice of action unless your doctor has advised you to. Cutting out cholesterol completely can prove to be bad for your body.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, known as high density lipoprotein, is the good cholesterol in your body. HDL is good for your body because this cholesterol carries bad cholesterol to the liver to be properly digested. Research has shown that high levels of HDL may prevent you from getting heart attacks or strokes. This is because HDL cholesterol lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol from the blood. HDL cholesterol is common in naturally fat foods, such as avocados, or fish. Don't be afraid to have naturally fatty foods because of bogeyman words!

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or the "bad" cholesterol, is very well known for being the cholesterol that can cause strokes or heart disease. When LDL cholesterol rises, plaque builds up within your arteries, causing blockage for blood and platelets, eventually causing build-up in the heart and then ruptures. LDL cholesterol is most commonly found in fried foods, or those with high saturated fats.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the difference, make a better educated choice about the foods you consume. Be aware of the artificial fat or extra processed foods you eat, and don't be afraid to have naturally fatty dishes.

And an extra hint: Try a Garlic supplement! Some studies show that 500-1000mg of garlic a day can lower LDL cholesterol by 6-9%!