High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is a commonly reported value on standard cholesterol tests. Doctor's often tell you that lowering your cholesterol level will make you healthier; having a low total cholesterol does correlate to better health. In the case of HDL, however, the opposite is true. High levels of HDL often indicate a decreased risk of disease and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Lipoproteins
Your body needs cholesterol for several vital functions, including building cells and producing hormones. Cholesterol, however, is a fatty substance that cannot freely traverse the watery environment of the bloodstream; on its own, it can not reach the organs. In order to circumvent this problem, your body binds cholesterol to special proteins called lipoproteins, MayoClinic.com reports. Lipoproteins pick up cholesterol and other fatty substances, like triglycerides, and transport these nutrients to the rest of your body. The most common lipoproteins include high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, and low-density lipoprotein, LDL.
HDL
High-density lipoproteins, or HDL, carry approximately 25 to 33 percent of all your body's cholesterol, the American Heart Association explains. Other forms of cholesterol, such as LDL, can build up in the blood and cause damage to the arteries. Affected arteries can become narrow or too hard. This leads to cardiovascular complications. HDL, also called "good cholesterol," can pick up the excess cholesterol in the bloodstream before it can cause any damage. The excess cholesterol is brought to the liver, where it is excreted from the body.
Benefits of High HDL Levels
High HDL levels often lead to a healthier, longer life. An HDL of more than 60 mg/dL aids the body in fighting off heart disease and conditions such as atherosclerosis, according to the New York Times Health Guides. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol levels lower than 40 mg/dL can increase your risk of developing heart disease and heart attacks. Knowing your current HDL cholesterol level is important, especially if you are already at risk for heart disease.
How to Increase HDL Levels
If you have low HDL levels, do not lose hope. There are many methods that have proven effective in raising HDL levels. Quitting smoking can cause your HDL cholesterol to increase by up to 10 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. Also, drinking alcohol in moderation can also slightly increase your HDL level. Do not start drinking just to increase your HDL levels, however. Losing weight, either by getting more exercise or dieting, can further increase your HDL levels. In more severe cases, doctor's can prescribe drugs, such as niacin, fibrates and statins. These drugs lower total cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. Lastly, supplements like fish oil and flaxseed oil have proven effective in raising HDL levels. Consult your doctor prior to adding any supplement to your diet.
