High levels of HDL cholesterol – known as "good" cholesterol – may help prevent cancer, according to the findings of a new study.

According to Reuters, researchers analyzed the results from 24 previous cholesterol studies that involved more than 140,000 people who were followed for an average of five years.

They found that increasing HDL cholesterol actually decreased an individual’s chances of getting any type of cancer.

Healthcare professionals recommend that HDL levels be above 40 milligrams per deciliter for men and above 50 milligrams per deciliter for women.

Statin medications may help modestly increase good cholesterol levels, according to the study’s lead author.

Of the drugs used to treat cholesterol, niacin, which is a B vitamin, appears to be the most effective at raising HDL levels. The amount of niacin needed for increasing HDL levels are so high, however, that it is classified as a drug when used for this purpose.

Natural ways to increase levels include exercising, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking moderately, and not smoking.

While researchers say they are unsure exactly why HDL cholesterol helps to prevent cancer, they believe the protection may come from its antioxidant effects.