learn the differences between Good and Bad Cholesterols .
Bad Cholesterol
LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells, where certain amounts are needed. However, any remaining cholesterol can be chemically changed (a process called oxidation) and taken up by the cells in the artery walls where it starts to build up – it’s this process that causes narrowing of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Consequently, high levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease – that’s why it’s sometimes called ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Good Cholesterol
In contrast, HDL carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, where the body gets rid of it. As a result, high levels of HDL cholesterol are thought to protect against heart disease and so, are sometimes called ‘good’ cholesterol.