Macro partitioning

Low-carbohydrate diets significantly increase HDL-cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets, although the clinical significance of this increase for cardiovascular risk reduction remains uncertain.

Low-carb diets tend to raise your HDL ('good') cholesterol more than low-fat diets do. However, don't assume this automatically protects your heart. Current evidence suggests that simply raising HDL doesn't necessarily lower heart disease risk, so focus on the bigger picture of weight management and overall lipid profile.