Cholesterol is an essential part of a healthy body and is important for many bodily processes, including making hormones, producing bile, and building and maintaining cell walls. It is important to understand the differences between good and bad cholesterol and how to manage them properly. Good cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol, has a number of important benefits for the body and one should not forget to focus on the positive when discussing this essential lipid.

Good cholesterol plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the US. HDL cholesterol scavenges for excess cholesterol and neutralizes it, removing it from circulation before it can clog arteries by forming plaque. This makes HDL cholesterol an important aspect of overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, having high levels of HDL cholesterol can reduce the likelihood of stroke, since atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for stroke, is less likely in those with higher levels of good cholesterol.

Good cholesterol can also help protect against certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that higher levels of HDL can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in particular. HDL seems to work by preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria in the intestinal walls, thereby reducing inflammation, a known risk factor for certain types of cancer. Furthermore, HDL can also lessen the severity of the inflammation already present in the body and reduce the risk of developing the disease in the first place.

Other benefits of HDL include improved brain health. Recent studies have found that those with higher levels of good cholesterol had better cognitive function and a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It is still unclear exactly how HDL helps protect against cognitive decline, but it is thought to do so by decreasing inflammation and protecting the brain from oxidative damage, both potential risk factors of Alzheimer’s.

It is important to remember that all types of cholesterol are essential to the body and have a role to play in overall health. Your goal should be to obtain the optimal balance between good and bad cholesterol by consuming a nutritious and balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. By doing so, you can ensure that your body is able to benefit from the many positive effects of good cholesterol.