1) Cholesterol isn't bad the way we've been told. It's actually needed by all of our cells to work properly and makes up certain hormones in our bodies . . . .

4) I like to think of these lipoproteins as buses that transport cholesterol and fat passengers to cells or "bus stops."

7) while the HDL "Bus" picks up wandering cholesterol and . . . .

10) Over time, the cholesterol builds up, hardening and blocking blood flow. This can cause heart disease and heart attacks!

13) Anyway, a healthy diet can raise HDL levels. Here are some tips:

• 1. Use foods that are higher in monounsaturated fats like canola or olive oil.
  
• 2. Eat foods high in soluble fiber like oats, fruits (apples, grapes, and citrus fruits) and legumes.
  
• 3. Eat soy products.
  
• 4. Eat less deep-fried foods and

2) . . . . Because these molecules don't dissolve easily in our blood, they need to be moved around by very tiny transport vehicles, which are called lipoproteins.

5) These "Buses" carry cholesterol and fat throughout the body's circulation . . . .

8) . . . . takes them back to the "Bus Station" or liver for possible disposal.

11) That is why LDLs are often called the "bad cholesterol" when not all cholesterols are bad. HDLs pick up loose cholesterol and take them to the liver, allowing cholesterol to leave the body.

14)

processed baked goods such as cookies, crackers, and cakes. And finally, good health and exercise always go hand-in-hand.

3) There are two types of lipoproteins, LDL or low-density lipoproteins and HDL or high-density lipoproteins, that carry cholesterol around our body.

6) . . . . and the LDL "Bus" drops off the cholesterol and fat to body cells

9) LDL "Buses" have accidents and crash into the walls of the arteries. The cholesterol molecules get dumped on the artery.

12) Because of its clean-up role, HDLs are thought of as the "good cholesterol." Studies show that people with high levels of LDLs have a greater risk of getting heart disease, whereas high HDL levels help lower the risk of heart disease.

15) Happy eating and exercising! Bye now! I have to go for my walk now. . . .