Cholesterolis a waxy, fatty substance that plays an important role in the body.
It is found in cells and helps produce hormones, likeestrogen.
HDL is considered the good cholesterol because a healthy level may protect you from cardiovascular disease.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
On the other hand, LDL cholesterol has a higher cholesterol and lower protein composition.
Total cholesterol (HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) should fall under 200 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol should be more than 55 mg/dL for women and more than 45 mg/dL for men.
LDL cholesterol should be under 130 mg/dL.
However, recent research questions whether HDL cholesterol really protects against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
How to Raise Good Cholesterol
The key to raising HDL cholesterol is lowering LDL cholesterol.
However, research has shown that its not healthy to have a low level of HDL cholesterol either.
Its best to keep your HDL cholesterol level in the normal range for your age group and sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good cholesterol level?
A good cholesterol level is different for people of different ages and sexes.
How do you raise good cholesterol?
Which is the good cholesterol?
HDL is considered the good cholesterol that will help protect you from cardiovascular disease.
American Heart Association.HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Harvard Health.Sliding scale for LDL: how low should you go?
Cleveland Clinic.Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
New insights from the Framingham offspring study.Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes.
2019;140(11):e596-e646.
MedlinePlus.Cholesterol levels: what you better know.
