HDL (Healthy) Cholesterol May Be Linked With Lower Cancer Risk

Not all cholesterol is bad for you. HDL, the healthy cholesterol, is looking even better now.

HDL cholesterol may be associated with lower cancer risk, according to research from the Tufts Medical Center Molecular Cardiology Research Institute. Dr. Richard Karas is executive director of the Institute and the lead author of a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"The researchers report a 36% lower cancer rate for every 10 milligrams per liter (mg/dl) higher level of HDL. But while the relationship between higher HDL and lower cancer risk was independent of other cancer risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and age, Karas was careful to say the study does not prove cause and effect."

However, it is known that HDL cholesterol is anti-inflammatory, which may in and of itself make for lower cancer risk. More research in this area is needed, but in the meantime, it's a good idea to increase your HDL cholesterol levels and reduce your cancer risk factors with healthy lifestyle choices.

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