WHAT IS GOOD AND BAD CHOLESTEROL? HOW DOES IT AFFECT HEALTH?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in our body and is necessary for the body to function properly. However, excess cholesterol in the body can lead to various health problems.
Through this article let’s try to understand what is cholesterol, what exactly is bad cholesterol and good cholesterol & how it affects the human body.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all animal cells and is an essential component of cell membranes. It is important in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that aid in digestion.
Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, while high levels of HDL cholesterol are considered beneficial to heart health.
What is LDL?
LDL or low-density lipoprotein, a type of cholesterol molecule commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can be harmful, as they can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
WHAT IS HDL?
HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein. It is a type of lipoprotein (a combination of proteins and fats) that helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body. Therefore, HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol, as higher levels of HDL are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.
The Affect of HDL & LDL On Human Health
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) are two types of lipoproteins that are important in maintaining human health. They are responsible for carrying cholesterol and other lipids in the blood to different parts of the body.
HDL or “good” cholesterol helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it back to the liver where it is broken down and eliminated from the body. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
On the other hand, LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries and lead to atherosclerosis, which is a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of HDL and LDL in the blood. A diet high in saturated and trans fats can increase the levels of LDL and decrease the levels of HDL. Exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels.
In conclusion, HDL and LDL play important roles in human health. Maintaining healthy levels of these lipoproteins can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote overall health and well-being.
Summing Up
Cholesterol is a type of lipid. LDL and HDL are two types of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol can build up on the walls of our arteries, leading to the formation of plaque, and eventually, blockages that can cause heart disease and stroke.
On the other hand, HDL cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from our bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
