The Family Tree
HDL is a type of Lipoprotein. Lipoproteins, as the name suggests, are a class of biochemical compounds formed by a protein component and a lipid component. These may be structural or catalytic in function. Lipoproteins may be enzymes, proton pumps, ion pumps, or some combinations of these functions.
The lipids are often an essential part of the complex, even if they seem to have no catalytic activity themselves. All animal cells need cholesterol to build the multiple membranes to both control water and water-soluble elements, and to organize their internal structure and protein enzymatic systems.
Lipoproteins in the blood carry fats around the body. The protein particles have charged groups aimed outward so as to attract water molecules; this makes them soluble in the salt water-based blood pool.
1. Western Diet Changes Protective Cells to Damaging Cells
Immune cells shield arteries from inflammation. However, they have been reprogrammed into cells that promote inflammation by a diet that is high in fat and cholesterol. The western diet is a diet high in fat and cholesterol depletes artery-protecting immune cells and promotes inflammation leading to atherosclerotic plaque buildup.
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