HDL vs. LDL Cholesterol: What Every Health-Conscious Person Should Know

Having high cholesterol is a significant health problem among a host of issues that may shorten your life span. If your blood test report shows high cholesterol levels, include Krishna’s Choles-terol Care Juice in your routine to improve your cholestrol naturally.

You’ve probably heard about the risks associated with high cholesterol. But, what you may not know is that not all cholesterol is harmful. “Cholesterol” isn’t just one thing; it is a term that covers several different fats/lipids found in your blood.

And some of these lipids are called “good” cholesterol (HDL), & some are called “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

What are HDL and LDL cholesterol? How can you improve your HDL and lower your LDL cholesterol naturally? Let’s find out the answers to all your queries.

First things first, what is cholesterol?

It is a fatty, wax-like substance that your body uses to perform many vital functions like making certain hormones, vitamin D, cell membranes, and bile (a fluid that helps in digestion).

The liver makes most of the cholesterol that your body requires, but you can also consume it through certain foods, particularly those from animals – meat, dairy products and eggs. (Eating a lot of these foods may increase your cholesterol levels over time!)

Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in your blood; instead. it is carried in round particles called lipoproteins to where it needs to go in your body.

There are two main types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to and from cells. One is High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the other is Low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

What are LDL and HDL cholesterol? 

LDL Cholesterol

This makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. It is responsible for carrying large amounts of cholesterol to your arteries for cell repair. But, when present in excess, cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries start developing which raises your risk for heart disease and stroke. Thus, LDL is commonly called “bad” cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

This is a type of lipoprotein that collects other types of cholesterol present in your blood & carries them back to your liver where it is broken down and disposed of as waste. High levels of HDL cholesterol protect your body from LDL and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Your LDL levels may be on the higher side and HDL levels may be on the lower side if you:

• Are obese or overweight
• Are not physically active or exercise
• Regularly consume full-fat dairy products, red meat, trans fats, saturated fats, and processed foods
• Have a large waist circumference (>40 inches in men or >35 inches in women)
• Use tobacco

In some cases, high cholesterol can be inherited, a condition. known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH results from a genetic mutation that affects the liver’s ability to remove excess LDL cholesterol from your blood. It also raises your chances of heart attack and stroke at a young age.

What Happens When Your Cholesterol Level Is High?

Unfortunately, you may not even know if you have high cholesterol because it usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. It quietly damages your body over time and goes undetected until it starts affecting vital organs and leads to serious health problems. The only way to find out your cholesterol levels is by getting a lipid panel test.

A lipid panel gives information about various types of cholesterol and fat in your blood:

• Total Cholesterol: Its optimal level is less than 200 mg/dL.

• LDL Cholesterol: The lower the value, the better. It is recommended that LDL levels should not exceed 130 mg/dL if there is no history of blood vessel disease, heart disease or diabetes. If you have these conditions, your LDL level should be no more than 70 mg/dL or 55 mg/dL.

• HDL Cholesterol: The higher the value, the better. For females, HDL should be above 50 mg/dL, and for males, it should be above 40 mg/dL.

• Triglycerides: These fat molecules in your blood should ideally be below 150 mg/dL.

How to Improve Your HDL and Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Naturally?

If your test results do not fall within a healthy range. it is advised to make certain changes to your diet or lifestyle and include natural products to reduce cholesterol levels.

Recommended Ayurvedic Products

• Krishna’s Choles-terol Care Juice: This Ayurvedic juice is enriched with several herbs. known to reduce cholesterol deposits in the blood. It is free of added chemicals, and its consistent use can balance your cholesterol levels and manage heart health too.

• Krishna’s BP Care Juice: High blood pressure can damage arteries by causing tears in their walls, creating areas where excess cholesterol can accumulate. If you have hypertension or high blood pressure, use this juice to manage blood pressure naturally.

• Krishna’s Fat Reducer Juice: Excess weight or obesity increases your chances of developing high cholesterol. This juice improves your metabolism and aids in weight management.

• Krishna’s Diabic Care Juice: Diabetes is another common condition that damages the lining of your arteries, increasing the risk of cholesterol sticking to them and causing them to narrow or become blocked. This is a popular Ayurvedic remedy that helps control blood sugar levels in a natural way.

Also Read: 5 Simple and Safe Natural Ways to Reduce Your Cholesterol Levels

To manage your high LDL and total cholesterol levels, you need to focus on both your lifestyle and diet, not just on medications. Relying only on medicines might not give the best results. Here are some simple tips to help improve your cholesterol:

• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts. Limit processed foods and saturated fats. Switch to walnuts, and avocado with red meats and processed food to get healthy alternative sources of fats.
• Exercise regularly and get your body moving more throughout the day.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your age and height.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Quit smoking, if you do.

Apart from these lifestyle changes you should regularly get your cholesterol checked especially. if you have familial hypercholesterolemia.

Regular check-ups are a key part of managing and controlling your cholesterol health. 

A Quick Review

Cholesterol is a natural and necessary substance that your body needs to function optimally. But, having too much LDL cholesterol and a lower level of HDL cholesterol can clog the insides of your arteries and lead to serious health issues. When other risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure & diabetes are combined, it can further set the stage for heart disease. The risk can be reduced by lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise & quitting smoking. Krishna’s Choles-terol Care Juice is another powerful Ayurvedic remedy that can help to improve cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, do not self-medicate; consult a Vaidya to maximize the benefits of Ayurvedic treatments and ensure safety, efficacy, and appropriateness for your individual health needs.