Often called "Good Cholesterol," HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein.  HDL is a blood substance that picks up cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.   HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol because high levels seem to protect against cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.

Studies show the link between low levels of HDL cholesterol and major cardiovascular complications as well as assocations with coronary heart disease.

According to WebMD, "A low HDL-C level is thought to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis because of impaired reverse cholesterol transport and possibly because of the absence of other protective effects of HDL, such as decreased oxidation of other lipoproteins."

There are many different types of foods that can help you to increase your HDL levels.  These foods include:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Found in Fish and Fish Oils)


• Fresh fruits and vegetables


• Legumes (beans)


• Whole wheat bread


• Berries


• Eggs


• Cranberry Juice

You should also try to avoid fried and greasy foods.  Try to always stick to grilled or baked items.  Also, try to avoid foods that have the word "trans" in it.  You should also use margarine instead of butter.  Simple changes like these with your diet will make a HUGE difference in raising your HDL levels naturally.

It is important to break down your cholesterol levels into LDL and HDL ratios.  You should stay in the range of 40-60mg/dL for a healthy HDL cholesterol level.  Any level above 60 is considered very healthy.  Any HDL level below 40 is considered unhealthy.  Low HDL cholesterol levels can contribue to heart disease.  As far as LDL cholesterol goes, any level less than 100mg/dL is considered optimal.

Early screenings for Total Cholesterol and HDL and LDL levels is essential.   Lowering your total cholesterol can be easily treated by modifying a few simple things in your lifestyle.

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