High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

• • Some excess cholesterol is transported by high density lipoproteins (HDL) from body cells to the liver for elimination.

  • Under normal circumstances this prevents the cholesterol from accumulating in the bloodstream. High-density Lipoproteins (HDL)

  • Also, HDL cholesterol does not get taken into the artery walls and therefore does not contribute to atherosclerosis.
• • These benefits depend on a healthy balance between the HDL-cholesterol and the LDL-cholesterol molecules.

  • A higher ratio of HDL to LDL results in a decrease in blood cholesterol and a reduced chance of atherosclerosis and cardio-vascular disease.
• • Regular physical activity tends to raise HDL levels. Dietary changes aim to reduce the levels of total fat in the diet and replace saturated with unsaturated fats.