At one time, people thought of cholesterol as universally bad. According to Harvard nutritionist Walter Willett in "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy," nutrition scientists now understand that three kinds of cholesterol exist, each with its own effect or indication.
Cholesterol Basics
Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by the liver in response to the presence of specific chemicals, according to the National Cancer Institute. It's present in all cells in the body, especially the blood, and is important for the health of your body's cells. Cholesterol also plays a role in producing hormones, vitamin D and bile acids.
LDL
Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, accumulate in the arteries, sometimes causing them to block or clog. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz and Michael Rozien in "You: The Owner's Manual," this can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. How much LDL is a safe level depends on overall heart health. The greater your risk of heart problems from factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or a personal or family history of heart problems, the lower your LDL value should be.
HDL
High density lipoproteins actually scrub LDLs from your arteries, report Oz and Rozien. This is the "good cholesterol." According to data published at MayoClinic.com, a healthy HDL level is at least 50 mg of HDL per deciliter of blood. Ideal levels are above 60 mg per deciliter.
Triglycerides
Willett writes that the liver produces triglycerides in response to the presence of sugars and refined carbohydrates, which your body turns rapidly into sugar. Although not a health risk in and of themselves, a high triglyceride count could indicate that you are taking in too much sugar, which puts you at risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. According to MayoClinic.com, a healthy triglyceride count is below 200 mg per deciliter of blood.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is a formula that takes into account all three kinds of cholesterol, giving an overall picture of cholesterol health in one number. Subtract your HDL count from your LDL count, then add one-fifth of your triglyceride count. The result is your total cholesterol. According to MayoClinic.com, a total cholesterol count below 200 is best for overall health.
References
- "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy"; Dr. Walter Willett, et al; 2006
- "You: The Owner's Manual"; Michael Rozien & Mehmet Oz; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol Levels
- National Cancer Institute: Cholesterol Definition
