LDL is “Bad” Cholesterol

What is Bad Cholesterol?

• LDL or “low density lipoprotein” cholesterol is what is known as the “bad” cholesterol.
• LDL is called the bad cholesterol because it is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries.
• When too much of it circulates in the blood, it can build up in the inner walls of your arteries that feed blood into your heart and brain, which may cause atherosclerosis and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

What to know about your blood LDL cholesterol levels:

• The higher your LDL blood cholesterol levels are, the greater your risk for heart disease.
• High LDL levels have been found to have a great association with heart disease; so higher LDL levels indicate a greater risk for heart disease.

3 Nutrients in your diet that cause high LDL levels:

1. Saturated Fat* – a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals.
2. Trans Fat – found mostly in foods made with hydrogenated oils and fats such as stick margarine and french fries.
3. Cholesterol - which comes only from animal products

*Saturated fat raises your LDL levels cholesterol level more than anything else in your diet.*

Diets with too much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol are the main cause for high levels of blood cholesterol – a leading contributor to the high rate of heart attacks among Americans.

Additionally, people who are overweight or obese tend to have increased LDL levels. It’s not a coincidence that the 3 nutrients that lead to high cholesterol levels also leads to excess weight and obesity.