good cholesterol

noun

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is associated with reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis : hdl

Good cholesterol is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) kind. It is protective of arteries and the heart.

—Paul G. Donohue

… olive oil has been getting lavish press as a virtuous alternative to other oils and animal fats—it's loaded with monounsaturated fats, which promote the so-called good cholesterol.

—Forbes

compare bad cholesterol

Examples of good cholesterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But research examining increases in HDL so far hasn’t shown any subsequent reduction in heart problems, and medications that raise your good cholesterol don’t stave off those risks, either. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 10 July 2024

Kale also contains a ton of other macro- and micronutrients that have been proven to support heart health, eye health, and good cholesterol levels as well as protect against certain diseases like cancer. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024

Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve lipid profiles (increasing HDL/good cholesterol levels), per World Journal of Cardiology research, and insulin sensitivity, according to research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. —Megan Falk, Women's Health, 4 Sep. 2023

The second type is high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is often called good cholesterol. —Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 27 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

good cholesterol

noun

ˈgu̇d- 

: hdl