Lower CholesterolCholesterol – Good versus Bad
The label given to LDL cholesterol of “bad” and HDL “good” cholesterol tends to be misunderstood.
“Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol
LDL cholesterols potential for oxidation which leads to the development of arterial plaque has given it the rap of being “bad”. While HDL cholesterol contains more protein and tends to pick up cholesterol dropped throughout your arteries and returns it to the liver giving it the role of being “good”.
However, I think it’s very important for you to realize that there are “good” and “bad” forms of LDL cholesterol and “good” and “bad” forms of HDL cholesterol.
It depends on their particle size and density. A standard cholesterol test does not measure the different particle sizes. If you are considering medication to treat elevated cholesterol levels I encourage you to discuss a comprehensive lipid panel with your physician. This will give you insight into your particle sizes to fully see what is healthy and what is not and you along with your doctor will be able to better determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
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Food first, always. When a supplement is worth considering, the front of the bottle is marketing and the supplement facts panel is the actual content. Two bottles at the same price can differ by half in what they deliver.
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