High "good" cholesterol helps men live longer

Having high levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, may help men reach their 85oy birthday, claims a new study.

According to the American Heart Association, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, unlike the LDL or "bad" cholesterol that clogs the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Researchers found men with higher HDL CHOLESTEROL was more likely to turn 85 (i.e. 28% less likely to die), 28% as compared with men with the lowest levels of HDL.

Published in the American Journal of Cardiology, scientists analyzing medical records for 650 veterans at the age of 65, and then put them into groups based on their HDL levels. Researchers have found men with low HDL was 14% less likely to live in 85 years. 375 study participants survived 85.

In addition, evidence showed that fewer men with higher HDL cholesterol was overweight, drank alcohol (not more than 2 drinks per day), smoked, or cardiovascular disease.

However, the researchers point out that it is difficult to increase HDL levels, saying that a drug must eventually be developed.

However, some experts point to diet foods like avocados, peas, lentils, oatmeal, and foods containing soy, Niacin-like tomatoes, chicken and mushrooms-help raise HDL cholesterol. Naicin (vitamin B3) helps block production of cholesterol in the body.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. In 2004, the World Health Organization says 1.7 million people died from cardiovascular disease, such as stroke (5.7 million) and coronary heart disease (7.2 million).