4 min read
Cholesterol - HDL, LDL, norms... How to decrease your cholesterol level?
Isabella Taylor
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Diets Premium Expert • 23.10.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Isabella Taylor | min read 4 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 23.10.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
Cholesterol - the word that instills fear in both patients and their doctors. It is expected to be responsible for most cardiovascular diseases and the main factor influencing atherosclerosis, however, it is actually a substance that we not only obtain through food, but also synthesize daily in our body. What is cholesterol, what is its classification, and is it as frightening as it is portrayed?
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Cholesterol
Cholesterol belongs to the group of steroids a type of fat derived from alcohol (sterane). It is the main animal sterol. Although most people restrict the role of cholesterol to the formation of the so-called. corticosteroids, it performs many other important functions in the body. As a substrate in the synthesis of steroid hormones, it enables the production of adrenal cortical and sex hormones (thus influencing the creation of essential compounds, i. e. cholesterol, or testosterone). Cholesterol also plays a role in the formation and function of the gland, which allows the body to function properly in the metabolism of fatty acids (such as fats, fats and fats).
Cholesterol of HDL
High density lipoprotein (HDL), colloquially called good cholesterol, is responsible for the transport of unused cholesterol from the peripheral tissues to the liver. HDL fraction also has the ability to reduce inflammation within the blood vessels (a direct cause of the development of atherosclerosis), increase intracellular integrity, also affect the structure of the pancreas and prevent the buildup of LDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol in the blood
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) produced in the liver. Interestingly, the amount of VLDL produced in your liver from which LDL is subsequently produced depends mainly on your protein and carbohydrate intake (the larger, the more low-density lipoproteins produced) [2] In the body, special mechanisms are used to regulate your liver's LDL intake and generate an adequate blood pressure resulting in all of your body's tissues being used for the same purpose.
Cholesterol is normal
According to current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, standard adult lipid targets include: Total cholesterol below 190 mg/dl (5.0 mmol/l); HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dl (1.0 mmol/l) for men and above 48 mg/dl (1.2 mmol/l) for women; and fasting triglycerides below 150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/l). Optimal LDL targets are risk-stratified, ranging from <116 mg/dl for low-risk individuals to <55 mg/dl for very high-risk patients with established vascular disease.
Is your cholesterol good or bad?
Despite the readily available knowledge about the functions and circulation of cholesterol in the human body, they are still misused unfortunately also by specialists colloquial definitions of good and bad cholesterol. It is worth noting that there is no such medical term, and the wording itself is a fairly large simplification, often misleading the recipients who do not know the best about the biochemistry of the body.
How do you lower your cholesterol?
Effective cholesterol reduction rests on three primary pillars: 1. Nutritional modification restricting saturated and trans fats while maximizing soluble fiber (oats, legumes, psyllium) and cardioprotective omega-3 fatty acids; 2. Consistent physical activity totaling at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly to raise HDL; and 3. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy using statins, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitors under specialist guidance when lifestyle measures are insufficient.
Isabella Taylor
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