Final answer:
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are beneficial to heart health because they remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for metabolization, thus preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are considered healthier to the heart because they help in removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. These lipoproteins serve a crucial function in cardiovascular health by collecting cholesterol from the tissues, including the arterial walls, and transporting it back to the liver. Once in the liver, cholesterol can be metabolized into other substances, such as bile acids, or can be excreted from the body. This process helps to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, decrease inflammation in the arteries, and mitigate the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In contrast, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol from the liver to the cells, and high LDL levels are often associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Hence, maintaining a higher proportion of HDLs, or "good cholesterol," in relation to LDLs is beneficial for heart health. A higher level of HDLs in the blood is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, as HDLs work to clear cholesterol from the bloodstream.