A new study finds that they are also strongly associated with a lower risk of cancer.
The study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found for every 10-point increase in HDL, there is a reduced risk of cancer by about one-third.
Scientist's theorize HDL alters the function of the immune system, which looks for abnormal cells that may be cancerous and attacks them.
HDL also has anti inflammatory activity which could also be playing a role.
