Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the body and is critical to its proper functioning, basically there are 2 types of cholesterol, the right one, also called HDL, and bad cholesterol or LDL.
Both types of cholesterol must circulate in the blood for the body to function properly, however when the amount of HDL is low or LDL is very high increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so it is important to control blood cholesterol levels.periodically as instructed by the doctor.
- HDL.
- Also called high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol.
- Works by removing fat molecules.
- Including bad cholesterol.
- And transporting them to the liver.
- Where they are metabolized and removed from the body.
- Thus preventing the accumulation of fat in blood vessels.
- Preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
- Such as atherosclerosis or heart attack.
- For example.
Thus, it is recommended that HDL values be higher than 40 mg/dL in both men and women to prevent disease. To improve HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, it is recommended to eat foods rich in this type of cholesterol, such as avocado, nuts, peanuts, salmon and sardines, for example.Check out some tips for increasing good cholesterol.
LDL, also called low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol, is important for the proper functioning of the body because it contributes to the hormone formation process; However, when LDL values are high it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease because it promotes the oxidation of fat cells and therefore promotes plaque formation in blood vessels.
It is important that LDL levels are monitored and that the person is physically active and avoids eating high-fat foods, soft drinks, and foods, for example, so as not to increase the amount of bad cholesterol.Learn how to reduce LDL levels.
The reference values for good and bad cholesterol are
Cholesterol levels should be evaluated by your doctor by performing a blood test that, in addition to monitoring HDL and LDL levels, reports triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.Learn more about cholesterol and reference values.
To maintain adequate cholesterol levels, it is important to eat healthy, low in fats and sugars, and avoid a sedentary life by exercising regularly.In some cases, your doctor may recommend using cholesterol medications.
Watch the video below and learn how to keep your cholesterol healthy: