Why is HDL called 'good cholesterol'?

Why is HDL called 'good cholesterol'?

• A. Because it deposits cholesterol in arteries
• B. Because it helps remove excess cholesterol from tissues, reducing cardiovascular risk
• C. Because it raises LDL levels
• D. Because it carries glucose

Answer: (B)

HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it participates in reverse cholesterol transport: it picks up excess cholesterol from cells and from arterial walls and carries it to the liver for excretion or reuse. This process helps reduce cholesterol buildup in arteries and lowers cardiovascular risk. HDL doesn’t raise LDL levels, and it doesn’t carry glucose, so those statements aren’t correct.

HDL is called “good cholesterol” because it participates in reverse cholesterol transport: it picks up excess cholesterol from cells and from arterial walls and carries it to the liver for excretion or reuse. This process helps reduce cholesterol buildup in arteries and lowers cardiovascular risk. HDL doesn’t raise LDL levels, and it doesn’t carry glucose, so those statements aren’t correct.