Doughnuts are often high in low-density lipoprotein.
LDL, also known as low-density lipoprotein, is a type of cholesterol in the body. Low-density lipoprotein collects in the arteries, causing heart disease, heart attack and stroke. LDL is also known as "bad cholesterol."
Significance
Low-density lipoprotein enters the bloodstream when an individual eats foods that are high in saturated fat, including processed baked goods, fatty cuts of meat and foods that contain trans fats, vegetable oil and lard.
Function
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. High-density lipoprotein removes the low-density lipoprotein that has collected in the bloodstream and brings it back to the liver so it can be used to build cells.
Identification
A doctor can determine how much LDL is present in the blood by administering a cholesterol test. The American Heart Association suggests a reading of less than 100 mg/dL is optimal.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid foods containing excess saturated fat and trans fats, and raise your intake of HDL cholesterol, which is present in whole grains like oatmeal, salmon and albacore tuna.
Expert Insight
According to the American Heart Association, age, high blood pressure, smoking and family history along with LDL and HDL cholesterol levels determine an individual's risk for heart disease.
Tags: low-density lipoprotein, also known, American Heart, American Heart Association, foods that, Heart Association
