Most people associate cholesterol with something bad because high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can put us at risk for heart disease and stroke.

However, there is also good cholesterol (HDL) that offers various health benefits, including supporting liver function and overall health.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is commonly known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove harmful LDL cholesterol from the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease. Research has also found that HDL cholesterol can support liver function.

Liver Function and HDL Cholesterol

The liver performs many functions, including filtering the blood and removing toxins.

HDL cholesterol plays an important role in liver function as it helps remove excess cholesterol and fats from the liver and transports them to other parts of the body for processing and elimination. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport, and it helps prevent the buildup of harmful fats like triglycerides in the liver that can lead to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD and HDL Cholesterol

NAFLD is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. The early stages of NAFLD often do not cause noticeable symptoms, but over time, it can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis) and even liver failure.

Research has found that people with low levels of HDL cholesterol are at a higher risk for developing NAFLD than those with higher levels of HDL cholesterol.

Other Benefits of HDL Cholesterol

In addition to supporting liver function, HDL cholesterol offers various other benefits to our health, including:.

Reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
Improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
Reducing inflammation throughout the body
Improving brain function and reducing the risk of dementia
Protecting against certain types of cancer

How to Increase HDL Cholesterol Levels

While genetics can play a role in determining our HDL cholesterol levels, there are also lifestyle changes we can make to increase our levels of good cholesterol and support liver function. These include:.

Exercising regularly – regular physical activity can increase HDL cholesterol levels
Eating a healthy diet – a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish can help increase HDL cholesterol levels
Losing weight – losing even a small amount of weight can help increase HDL cholesterol levels
Quit smoking – smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels, and quitting can help increase them
Limiting alcohol consumption – excess alcohol intake can decrease HDL cholesterol levels

The Bottom Line

Good cholesterol (HDL) not only offers protection against heart disease and stroke but also supports liver function.

It plays an important role in removing harmful cholesterol and fatty acids from the liver, helping to prevent conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. By making lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking, we can increase our levels of good cholesterol and support our liver health for a better quality of life.