HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is considered as the good cholesterol because a high level of this cholesterol protects person from heart attack. About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low HDL cholesterol levels means less than 40 mg/dL increase the risk for heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup.

Various studies established that high blood cholesterol level is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, CHD. High the cholesterol level higher the risk of CHD. Lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol has great benefit. Researchers and physicians have now identified that bringing the HDL level up is just as beneficial and a natural way of fighting off bad cholesterol. Though it is very difficult to do but it has some definite steps. Because of these steps you can increase your HDL cholesterol level. Out of those steps first is weight loss and second one is exercises.

Today, the average for women is between 50 and 55 mg/dL and for men 40 to 45 mg/dL. Again, getting this level over 60 is a very effective start toward improving overall cholesterol ratios.