High Density Lipoprotien
HDL plays a role in protecting against heart disease as well as being part of the innate immune system. HDL particles are self-assembling lipid particles that can be synthesized from a variety of lipid combinations. The main role of HDL is reverse cholesterol transport. HDL particles transport excess cholesterol to the liver to be recycled for later use. HDL helps with the prevention of heart disease and minimizes plaque build up due to LDL deposits. HDL is usually referred to as "good cholesterol" because of its role in regulating cholesterol levels.
Although HDL is the better form of cholesterol for you, it isn't healthy to have too much HDL. Factors that can help your HDL levels and lower your LDL levels are
Foods with HDL include:
Rail, K. (n.d.) List of Food Items to Improve HDL Levels. Healthy Eating. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-food-items-improve-hdl-levels-1196.html
Unknown. (n.d.) 8 Foods to Lower LDL Cholesterol, Boost HDL Cholesterol, and Fight Inflammation.
Mark’s Daily Apple. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From http://www.marksdailyapple.com/cholesterol-fighting-foods/#axzz3VXdZrgAZ
Although HDL is the better form of cholesterol for you, it isn't healthy to have too much HDL. Factors that can help your HDL levels and lower your LDL levels are
- Healthy weight
- No smoking
- Physical activity
- Healthy diet
- Small alcohol intake
Foods with HDL include:
- fruit
- vegetables (especially bell peppers and broccoli)
- fish
- pistachios
- oils
Rail, K. (n.d.) List of Food Items to Improve HDL Levels. Healthy Eating. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-food-items-improve-hdl-levels-1196.html
Unknown. (n.d.) 8 Foods to Lower LDL Cholesterol, Boost HDL Cholesterol, and Fight Inflammation.
Mark’s Daily Apple. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From http://www.marksdailyapple.com/cholesterol-fighting-foods/#axzz3VXdZrgAZ
An image of a HDL molecule
http://newsarchive.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=214650
http://newsarchive.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=214650