The familiar initials LDL and HDL are two types of protein-encased packages called lipoproteins that ferry cholesterol around in your blood. The higher your LDL level, the more cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream. LDL drops cholesterol off where it's needed, but it also deposits excess cholesterol along your artery walls and in other tissues. That's why LDL is characterized as "bad."

The HDL lipoprotein package cleans up the excess cholesterol left by LDL and returns it to the liver. The more HDL you have, the more thorough the cleanup. Consequently, HDL is considered protective or "good." For women, a high triglyceride level may be a better predictor of heart disease than high LDL, and a low HDL level is especially dangerous.

People's response to dietary cholesterol varies. Some are very sensitive to it; others have only a minimal response. But cholesterol levels aren't determined by diet alone. Age, heredity, weight and weight distribution, as well as level of exercise have an impact, too.

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If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is advised to reduce the amount of bad cholesterols which can harm your body in the long run. Getting on a diet where you consume less cholesterol is should be the first step. The best way of reducing cholesterol is to see if the food you are eating is high in saturated fat, which is the main cause of high cholesterol in your blood. The most common food products contain high amounts of cholesterol including cheddar, butter, ice cream, cheese, cream cheese, etc.

Instead of consuming high cholesterol food try to go for vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and grains instead. Living a healthier lifestyle and adding high protein food every day will make you a better and more energetic person.

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