Food Facts - Carrots

Molecules called lipoproteins carry cholesterol in the blood.

Two important kinds of lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

When checking LDL and HDL, doctors often include another type of fat called triglycerides.

• Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood and is based on the HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.
• LDL cholesterol makes up the majority of the body’s cholesterol. LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol because having high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease and stroke.
• HDL cholesterol absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, which flushes it from the body. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because having high levels can reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

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