Healthy Vs. Lousy Cholesterol

I read an interesting article that Lisa Nelson wrote in healthcentral.com about low density lipoprotein LDL and VLDL very low density lipoprotein. I must admit I have a terrible time remembering all the acronyms, or which is good and bad, so let me see if I got this straight.

First off I need to raise HDL, High Density Lipoprotein or as I like to call it “Healthy” Cholesterol and lower triglycerides, VLDL and LDL.

Let's begin with Food. If we eat too much it provides more energy (calories) than we need right away. The liver breaks down some the carbohydrates and protein and forms triglycerides (fat) and cholesterol.

Oil (fat) and water (blood) don’t mix, so the liver coats the fat (triglycerides) with a protein, cholesterol, and phospholipid shell. The final product is called a lipoprotein (lipo or lipid = fat).

Lipoproteins transport cholesterol, fat, and proteins throughout our systems. LDL (low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) transport mostly fat and cholesterol, but differ in the amount of each.

When the liver releases VLDL into circulation, enzymes in the bloodstream interact with the triglycerides within the lipoprotein and change the package from "very low density" to "low density". LDL is "less dense" than VLDL.

If you have high LDL levels, an oxidation process takes place that leads to plaque development in your artery walls, damage to vessel linings, and heart disease. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E may slow or inhibit this oxidation process.

So, what does this all mean?

LDL and VLDL are both "lipoprotein packages" in your blood. Both are considered bad types of cholesterol. I remember this by telling myself that L stands for “Lousy”

They differ in what each package carries.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) "Lousy" cholesterol carries mostly cholesterol, some protein, and minimal triglycerides throughout your circulation. LDL should be less than 130 mg/dl, ideally less than 100 mg/dl.

VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) "Very Lousy" cholesterol contains minimal protein and mainly transports triglycerides.

To prevent VLDL and LDL from clogging your arteries, follow a diet to lower cholesterol and consume antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.