LDL Fat...?!
Question:
LDL Fat...?
What is LDL Fat...What foods is it found in...is it bad for you?
Answers:
I assume you are referring to LDL cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) belongs to the lipoprotein particle family. Lipoproteins are transporters of fat in the body -- they basically shuttle fats around the body where they are utilized by cells. LDLs transport cholesterol from the liver through the body and have a propensity to deposit cholesterol in the arteries. The LDL cholesterol itself is not dangerous, but its chemical characteristics make it prone to oxidation, which then causes it to "stick" to the arteries. For this reason, increased LDL levels are associated with atherosclerosis (and heart attacks), stroke and vascular disease.
Contrast this against HDLs (High-density lipoproteins) which actually scavenge excess cholesterol from the body and return it to the liver where it can be broken down and excreted.
This is why people with a high overall cholesterol number can have a low LDL count and a high HDL count and never experience heart disease. Indeed, a high HDL to LDL ratio may have protective qualities.
There are several factors (not all of them diet-related) that impact your LDL levels. Excessive consumption of saturated fats (butter, animal fat, etc.) and trans fats can increase LDL levels. Also, lack of exercise, more than 3-4 alcoholic drinks a day (for men), being overweight/obese and family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
There are foods that can descrease LDL levels or increase your "good" HDL cholesterol. These include consumption of nuts like walnuts, almonds and pecans, moderate alcohol consumption (less than two glasses a day), mono-saturated fats like olive oil and walnut oil, oatmeal, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high soluble fiber foods like beans. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed can also increase HDL. Omega 3 supplements can help as well.