HDL

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) is one of the 5 major groups of lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL). Lipoproteins, which are combinations of lipids (fats) and proteins, are the form in which lipids are transported in the blood. The high-density lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver so it can be gotten rid of (in the bile). HDL cholesterol is therefore considered the "good" cholesterol. In healthy individuals, about thirty percent of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

Certain changes in lifestyle can have a positive impact on raising HDL levels:

• Aerobic exercise
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Removing trans fatty acids from the diet
• One drink of alcohol a day or less yields higher HDL-C levels, more so in women than men. HDL transports cholesterol to the liver and cholesterol is known to have a protective effect on the cell membrane. It is likely that this reflects the liver's need for more cholesterol to protect itself from the alcohol.
• Adding soluble fiber to diet
• Using supplements such as omega 3 fish oil
• Limiting intake of dietary fat to 30–35% of total calories