What is the difference between "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol"?

Flynn_17

http://www.lower-your-cholesterol.com/good-and-bad-cholesterol.html Cholesterol isn't good or bad in itself, in fact it plays a vital role in the human body. It's used to produce hormones and to build cell membranes. Whether cholesterol is harmful or helpful depends on the density of the molecule that transports it around the body, which determines the effect it has on the arteries. Most of the cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver. Because cholesterol doesn't dissolve in blood, it's transported around the body by molecules called lipoproteins. LDL (low density lipoprotein) takes cholesterol from the liver to the cells that use it, and HDL (high density lipoprotein) collects cholesterol and transports it back to the liver where it's excreted. Problems with cholesterol develop when there is too much LDL and not enough HDL. LDL - Bad Cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the "bad cholesterol". It's low density because it contains a high level of fat as opposed to protein. Because the molecules are light, they can easily get stuck to the walls of the arteries, creating plaque. As the plaque thickens, the artery narrows, and eventually blood flow can slow enough for a clot to form. When the clot breaks free it can travel to another part of the body, stick there, and prevent blood flow, resulting in a heart attack or a stroke. HDL - Good Cholesterol "Good cholesterol" is HDL (high-density lipoprotein). It's high density because it contains a lot of protein and less fat. HDL cholesterol molecules act like scrubbers in the bloodstream. Because they're heavier, they don't stick to the sides of the arteries. Instead, they attach to the cholesterol in the plaque and take it to the liver for disposal. The more HDL cholesterol, the better. Jan 08 05, 4:34 PM

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