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What You Need to Know About HDL Cholesterol

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 29, 2013

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Definition: High density lipoproteins are small containers made of fat and protein that carry cholesterol to the liver where it is removed from the body with bile. HDL is also called good cholesterol because having a high level of HDL may decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol that increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.

You can increase your HDL level by eating a healthy high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes fish and low in saturated fat and trans-fat.

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