HDL Cholesterol
What is HDL?
High density lipoprotein is also known as HDL or good cholesterol. It helps in cleaning the blood vessel walls and surplus cholesterol is also removed. This surplus cholesterol is one of the main reasons for formation of plaques which is the major reason for coronary artery disease. The main function of this HDL is to carry the extra cholesterol to liver.
What is the result if HDL cholesterol level is decreased in blood?
The risk of getting coronary heart diseases is increased if HDL level in blood is decreased. That it should not be lower than 40 milligram/deci liter. For normal person the HDL level must between 40 and 60 milligram/deci liter. Heart diseases can be prevented if the HDL level is greater than 60 milligram/deci liter.
What are the major uses of HDL cholesterol?
The main use of HDL cholesterol is they facilitate in decreasing the danger of getting heart diseases. In addition to this, it also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps in resistance of the disease known as atherogenesis.
What are the dietary advices to increase the good cholesterol level?
The main source that helps to increase the level of good cholesterol include monounsaturated fats, soluble fibers etc. The monounsaturated fats are present in canola oil, avocado oil, or olive oil. Food sources such as peanut butter also help to increase HDL without increasing other cholesterols in blood.
To increase HDL it is must to avoid trans fatty acids which decreases the level of HDL and also increases the level of LDL. The main sources of these fatty acids are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Oats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain soluble fiber that can increase HDL level in blood. Calcium substituent, omega 3 fatty acids, cranberry juice, and fish are also the main sources that increase HDL level in blood.
Three cups of orange juice a day helps in increasing HDL by 21 percentages between three weeks. Vitamin B3 which is also known as niacin also helps in increasing HDL level in blood. 500mg of niacin produces 1000mg of HDL. However it is not prescribed for those who already contain high level of HDL in blood.