Question

2. All lipoproteins are made up of proteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Why are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) considered unhealthy, and people encouraged to lower LDL, while high-density lipoproteins are considered healthy and people encouraged to increase HDL?

Answer 1

All lipoproteins are made up of proteins, triglycerides and cholesterol. Low density lipoproteins are considered to be unhealthy and people are suggested to lower their LDL level where are high density lipoproteins are considered to be healthy and people are suggested to increase their HDL level because LDL is considered to be "bad cholesterol" where as HDL is considered to be "good cholesterol".

These lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the body cell as well as from the body cell in the blood. A certain amount of cholesterol is required by the body for the normal function but if it is in an increased amount then the body will have fatty deposit in the blood vessels which will narrow down the blood vessels making it difficult to pass the blood through the vessels.

Function of HDL and LDL:

The HDL is considered to be a good cholesterol because it will protect the body from the narrowing down of the blood vessels.

Whereas the LDL is considered to be a bad cholesterol because it may worsen the arterial narrowing in the body.

The increase in the level of LDL in the body indicates the risk for blocked arteries and health issues. Where as the level of the HDL in the body indicates the lower in the risk of getting heart disease, vascular disease and stroke.

The normal values of LDL should be less than 100mg/ DL where as the normal values of HDL should be more than 60mg/DL.

Causes of high LDL level in the body are:

- lifestyle (sedentary)

- high fat containing diet

- obesity

- increased use of alcohol and smoking

- a known history of diabetes mellitus

- family history of increased LDL

Food which will help to decrease the LDL cholesterol includes:

- oatmeal

- whole grains

- barley

- beans

- fresh fruits and vegetables

- leafy greens

- avocados

- nuts etc.

Hence, it is very necessary to know about ones cholesterol level in order to understand the level of HDL and LDL in your body.