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estrogen, and progesterone. It also helps forms synapses, the circuitry through which nerve cells communicate. Cholesterol is ferried through your body by molecular "submarines" known as lipoproteins, such as lipoprotein (a), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to cells where it's needed, while HDL carries cholesterol back to the liver, where most of it is secreted in bile used to break down food. Both LDL and HDL are crucial for our bodies to function, so in the proper ratio, both are actually "good". Myth #2: e conventional cholesterol test accurately measures LDL. Fact: One little-known drawback of the traditional lipid test is that it doesn't directly measure LDL. Instead, it tallies total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides, then uses a mathematical formula to calculate LDL. is formula can be unreliable, however, particularly if your triglycerides are high, sometimes creating a false sense of security. Advanced lipid tests directly measure directly measure LDL for a more accurate reading, using a variety of technologies. One commonly used test (NMR LipoProfile) gauges size by analyzing the magnetic properties of LDL particles. Another test called VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) sorts particles by spinning them in a high-speed centrifuge, since the big ones are more buoyant. For the most accurate cholesterol test results, both the standard test and the advanced lipid profile should be performed in the morning aer an overnight fast. Fat from a meal can artificially boost your lipid levels, particularly of triglycerides, on the test. Myth #3: HDL cholesterol is always "good." Fact: Although HDL is oen hyped as "good" cholesterol, people with seemingly healthy levels may not be getting as much protection as they may think. Having a lot of small, dense HDL particles can actually raise the threat of a heart attack or stroke, while a predominance of bigger, more buoyant particles can lower it. Both the quality Research shows that of all the cholesterol villains – LDL, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate low density protein (IDL), and that mass murderer Lp(a) – LDL is arguably the wimp of the gang of four. Yet standard cardiology guidelines emphasize the value of reducing LDL as a primary goal in heart attack and stroke prevention, while ignoring superior predictors of risk, such as TC/HDL ratio. None of the hundreds of cholesterol studies conducted to date have ever shown that LDL causes heart attacks. is unscientific belief remains so ingrained n medical thinking, however, that it's been termed "the great cholesterol hoax". Again, we emphasize that the key player in both the development of coronary artery disease and the plaque ruptures that lead to heart attacks and strokes is inflammation. If your arteries aren't hot, you are unlikely to suffer these calamities, even if your cholesterol levels are extremely high or you have cholesterol plaques in your arteries. Here's a look at common misconceptions about lipids that can harm you and the facts you need to protect your cardiovascular health. Myth # 1: Cholesterol is inherently evil. Fact: You couldn't survive without cholesterol, since this waxy substance produced by the liver plays many essential roles in our body, from waterproofing cell membranes to helping produce vitamin D, bile acids that help you digest fat, and many type of hormones, including the sex hormones testosterone, Debunking the "Cholesterol Hoax" and Other Lipid Myths Page 18 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com