There are plenty of foods that you can eat to help lower your cholesterol, but there are also foods that will raise it up and that should be avoided at all costs if you have high cholesterol or are at risk of getting it. This article lists the top 10 highest cholesterol foods to avoid if you have high cholesterol or are at risk.
This is because they cause your blood lipid levels to go out of control, which is the main indicator of heart disease in your body. Check out this list and you might just find some new information on foods to eat and foods to avoid!
When it comes to eating cholesterol, there’s only one kind you should be concerned about: dietary cholesterol. While your body naturally produces its own supply of cholesterol, certain foods contain high levels of dietary cholesterol that can contribute to heart disease. Common sources include egg yolks, organ meats, poultry skin, and whole-milk dairy products.
A handful of nuts can be a great addition to your diet; however, nuts can be an easy way to overeat and consume more calories than you realize. By limiting yourself to a single serving, or just a small handful, of nuts per day, you’ll ensure you don’t become too accustomed to snacking on nuts. Additionally, they’re high in calories—meaning you may inadvertently end up consuming even more calories throughout your day.
Research shows that eating high-cholesterol fruits on a regular basis can increase cholesterol levels. Fruits are still good for you but stick to low-cholesterol fruits like apples, bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi, and oranges to stay healthy. Also, avoid canned fruits and fruit juices as they tend to be high in added sugar. If you need a sweet snack that’s more indulgent try dried fruit or fresh berries instead.
Most vegetables are cholesterol-free. However, some aren’t as low in cholesterol as others. Be sure to avoid beets, eggplant, green peppers, and tomato sauce because they have higher levels of fat content. Cauliflower is a great substitute for foods with high cholesterol because it contains so many antioxidants that help improve heart health. Additionally, eating cauliflower lowers cholesterol by keeping blood vessels healthy.
Shellfish is a type of seafood that's often sold pre-cooked. But if you're looking to avoid high cholesterol foods, it's important to steer clear of shellfish dishes, as they're high in cholesterol. That said, some types of shellfish—like mussels and oysters—are lower in fat and calories than most other types of seafood. Still, you'll need to watch your portions with these low-calorie shellfish options, too!
High-cholesterol foods include any kind of meat and most dairy products. Studies have shown that there is a link between meat consumption and high cholesterol. This is because animal proteins can clog arteries by increasing levels of certain chemicals in your blood known as lipids, which are used to build cell membranes but also promote inflammation. High-cholesterol foods also include animal fat, egg yolks, whole milk, butter, and cheese.
You’ve probably heard that eating too many eggs can give you high cholesterol, but is it true? Well, yes and no. According to expert sources (including Harvard Medical School), egg yolks are indeed high in cholesterol. Even if you just have one yolk a day, that’s still 70 milligrams of cholesterol—more than two days’ worth in most adults!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.