Article updated April 2022
Cholesterol plays important roles in the body, but only when its concentration is normal.
What are the differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol fractions and what functions do they perform?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that the body needs to build cell membranes.
In the blood, it is transported by two lipoprotein fractions, which differ in size and structure.
The task of low-density particles (LDL) is to deliver cholesterol to the cells, and high-density particles (HDL) catch the excess of this substance and carry it to the liver, which excretes it from the body.
For cardiovascular health, a balance between these two types of lipoproteins is very important.
Bad and good cholesterol
Low-density particles (LDL) are considered „bad” cholesterol because they contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels.
This process narrows the lumen of the arteries and carries the risk of serious health problems.
Triglycerides – a type of fat found in the blood, whose function is to provide and store energy obtained from food – are also involved.
The second type of lipoprotein is high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, or cholesterol considered „good.”
Its action is to carry excess LDL lipoproteins to the liver, where they are broken down and excreted from the body.
Functions of HDL cholesterol
Good HDL cholesterol has an important function in the body – it transports cholesterol molecules from the tissues to the liver.
There they are broken down and metabolized, and then excreted from the body.
For this reason, HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol particles from the body and prevents its accumulation in the walls of blood vessels.
Functions of LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is considered the opposite of good HDL cholesterol.
It is characterized by the fact that it contains low-density particles and carries them from the liver to the tissues.
This makes it likely to contribute to the deposition of excess cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels, which in the future can become a cause of the development of cardiovascular diseases.
How do you check your cholesterol levels?
The amount of each type of cholesterol can be measured with a simple blood test ordered by an internal medicine doctor.
The correct ratio of HDL to LDL should be 1 to 3 or even 1 to 2.
This balance of particles reduces the risk of many cardiovascular problems.
If it is otherwise, we are dealing with hyperlipidemia manifested by elevated levels of LDL cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.
Cholesterol is also considered unbalanced when HDL lipoprotein levels are too low.
Taking care of the balance
The good news is that proper blood cholesterol levels can be taken care of.
Sometimes all it takes is a few lifestyle changes, including switching to a healthier diet.
The most important is to reduce the amount of saturated and trans fats consumed.
The former should make up no more than a few percent of the calories delivered during the day, and the latter should preferably be eliminated from the diet altogether.
To achieve this effect, it’s a good idea to limit the consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy products and fried foods, especially deep-fried. It’s also a good idea to avoid fatty meats, sausages, pates and sausages.
It is worth realizing that harmful trans fats are found in chocolate-like products, ready-made cookies, bars and chocolates.
So if you are concerned about lowering cholesterol, you should eliminate sweets from your diet, as well as salty snacks (such as chips and finger foods).
What can raise cholesterol levels and the LDL fraction are also stimulants, such as alcohol and coffee.
It is also worthwhile to increase the amount of fiber and ensure optimal content of bioactive compounds in meals.
A healthy diet also emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts, while limiting the intake of sweets and sodas.
Remember that by taking care of the balance of LDL and HDL lipoproteins in your blood, you gain the chance to enjoy health and well-being for years to come.