Cholesterol isn’t all bad news though. We need a certain amount of cholesterol in our bodies. It has many functions—including making certain hormones and vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. Your liver and other cells make most of your cholesterol, about 75%. The rest comes from animal foods, such as meat, dairy and shellfish. The Good CholesterolAbout one-quarter to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. Why is it so good? Researchers aren’t exactly sure, but they think that HDL takes “bad” cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be flushed from the body. Know your numbersMen should aim for at least 40 milligrams per deciliter and women should have levels of at least 50 mg/dL of HDL to help lower the chance of heart disease. Choices that countReducing trans fats and eating a balanced, nutritious diet that includes heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil and avocados, are other ways to increase HDL. The Bad CholesterolOn the other side of the equation is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. One way to remember the difference is to think of the first L in LDL as “lousy.” This is the cholesterol number that should be kept in check. When LDL circulates in the blood, it can stick to the inner walls of arteries and eventually cause buildup. If a clot gets stuck in a narrowed artery, the result can be a heart attack or stroke. Know your numbersIdeally your LDL cholesterol should be less than 130 mg/dL. But if you have other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor might recommend that your LDL stay below 100 mg/dL. Choices that countSoluble fiber from foods, such as a high-fiber cereal made from oats or barley, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. More from Prevention: 15 Surprising Ways To Improve Your Cholesterol
