Lipoproteins - How Does Cholesterol Move Around

Cholesterol is hydrophobic, so it needs to be carried around our bloodstream using a protein transporting molecule.

The protein wrapped “vehicle” that transports the lipids are called lipoproteins. The ratio of lipid-to-protein in the lipoprotein structure determines its density:

1. HDL: high-density lipoprotein. Sometimes called "good" because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver, to be removed
2. LDL : low-density lipoprotein. Sometimes called "bad" as it leads to the buildup of plaque in your arteries
3. VLDL: very low-density lipoprotein, mainly carries triglycerides