The word cholesterol has gained so much bad reputation since its linking with heart diseases. It has gotten so bad that most people actually forgot or completely don't know that is crucially important and has so many benefits for the human race.

Too much of everything is bad, except for love, mercy, faith and respect, hahaha.


Cholesterol

Cholesterol plays a very valid major role in several functions of the body those roles are:

  • Cholesterol forms and maintain cell membranes and their structure.
  • Helps cells to adjust to changes of temperature.
  • Assists in production of hormones like cortisol and sex hormones.
  • Helps nerve cells for insulation.
  • Changes itself to vitamin D when you are in the presence of sun.
  • Helps your liver make acids that assist with the process of digestion
I guess with these 6 good sides of cholesterol you were able to see the importance of cholesterol.

What makes cholesterol bad?


There are 2 types of cholesterol named LDL(low density lipoprotein) and HDL (High density lipoprotein). LDL is classified as bad cholesterol and HDL as the good one.
LDL is the culprit here.

LDL (bad cholesterol) contains less protein, making it light in weight. When it's oxidized, LDL tends to cause inflammation and forces lipids to cover the walls of vessels in the heart and whole body forming plagues that can thicken and limit or block blood and nutrient to affected tissues or organ and leaving no room for recovery, this is exactly where cholesterol is linked with heart diseases.

As I mentioned before that too much of something is not good and that also includes too much of HDL(good cholesterol). Check our post about lowering LDL cholesterol and how it is helpful. In this coming section we will take a look at ways to balance HDL cholesterol.

8 ways to raise HDL cholesterol

  • Quit smoking, PERIOD!
  • Exercise regularly
  • Cut down on artificial trans fats
  • Cook with olive oil
  • Consider fatty fish (rich in omega 3)
  • follow a low carb diet
  • Eat more antioxidant foods
  • Go very low or cut down and added sugars

Increasing HDL has its own benefits, just make sure to not over eat the HDL rising food like that fatty fish and using way too much olive oil There is key in balance and you should always remember that. I learned the depth of balance during my research and Diabetes, kidney disease and heart diseases.

Heart healthy foods are filled with antioxidant properties which increases HDL in your body.