Hdl and Ldl Essay Example for Free

Hdl and Ldl Essay HDL means high density lipoproteins, Lipoproteins are a combination of lipid and proteins. They are very essential for the body to restore tissues and cell membranes. High density lipoproteins move very easily throughout the blood, they do not get stuck in it. HDLs are produced by the combination of unsaturated fats, cholesterol and protein. These tend to carry cholesterol from the tissues to the liver to be broken down. LDL or low density lipoprotein is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. When a person has too much LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can slowly build up within the walls of the arteries feeding the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. The formation of a clot in the region of this plaque can block the flow of blood to part of the heart muscle and cause a heart attack. If a clot blocks the flow of blood to part of the brain, the result is a stroke. A high level of LDL cholesterol reflects an increased risk of heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol. LDL are made up from saturated fats, cholesterol and proteins, these take cholesterol from the liver to the tissues where it is stored. Effects of the diet on levels of HDL and LDL The diet has a massive effect on the lipoprotein in the blood. It is best to keep a low fat diet which ensures a low lipoprotein content. A higher concentration of HDL is preferable as that lipoprotein breaks down cholesterol instead of storing it inside arteries. Why is flora heart healthy even though it is a high fat spread? Flora is heart healthy as it contains plant sterols which actively remove cholesterol from the body by partly blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Cholesterol that isn’t absorbed is then removed from the body, resulting in a lowering of LDL cholesterol levels.