HDL/LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat found in the blood. There are two main types:

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is often called “good cholesterol” because it decreases the risk of heart disease by removing unwanted cholesterol from where it doesn’t belong. The test result is better if it’s high, with the ideal HDL range being 40 or above.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is often called “bad cholesterol” because it indirectly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. LDL tends to accumulate plaque on the artery walls. The ideal LDL range is 100 or less.

How Your Diet Impacts Your Cholesterol

Your diet can impact both your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. To help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, limit foods with saturated and trans-fat, including:

• Processed foods
• Fatty meats
• Full-fat milk products
• Butter, lard and partially hydrogenated margarines
• Deep-fried foods

Increase the amount of “plant sterols” (for example, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, vegetables and fruit) you consume to help lower “bad” cholesterol.