If You Have High Cholesterol, Avoid These 9 Foods

By rjoachim | August 7, 2023
  • Red meat: Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Choose lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin, pork loin, or filet mignon, and limit your intake to no more than 3 ounces per day.Opens in a new windowblog.myfitnesspal.comRed meat food
  • Processed meats: Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and pepperoni, are also high in saturated fat. In addition, they often contain unhealthy additives, such as sodium nitrite, which can increase your risk of cancer.Opens in a new windowwww.nbcnews.comProcessed meats food
  • Full-fat dairy: Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, butter, and cheese, are high in saturated fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products instead.Opens in a new windowwww.health.harvard.eduFull-fat dairy food
  • Baked goods and sweets: Baked goods and sweets are often high in saturated fat and trans fat, both of which can raise your cholesterol levels. Choose healthier options, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.Opens in a new windowwww.qsrmagazine.comBaked goods and sweets food
  • Fried foods: Fried foods are often cooked in unhealthy oils, such as vegetable shortening or palm oil, which are high in saturated and trans fat. Choose healthier cooking methods, such as baking, grilling, or steaming.Opens in a new windowwww.health.harvard.eduFried foods food
  • Tropical oils: Tropical oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil, are high in saturated fat. They are often used in processed foods, such as cookies, crackers, and pastries. Choose healthier oils, such as olive oil or canola oil.Opens in a new windowtropicisleliving.comTropical oils food
  • Egg yolks: Egg yolks are high in cholesterol. However, studies have shown that eating whole eggs does not have a significant impact on cholesterol levels in most people. If you are concerned about your cholesterol, you may want to limit your intake of egg yolks to 1 or 2 per day.Opens in a new windowwww.healthline.comEgg yolks food
  • Shellfish: Some types of shellfish, such as shrimp and lobster, are high in cholesterol. However, they are also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have heart-healthy benefits. If you are concerned about your cholesterol, you may want to limit your intake of shellfish to 2 or 3 servings per week.Opens in a new windowwww.thekitchn.comShellfish food
  • Soda and other sugary drinks: Soda and other sugary drinks are high in calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain. Weight gain is a risk factor for high cholesterol. If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, it is important to limit your intake of sugary drinks.Opens in a new windowwww.discovermagazine.comSoda and other sugary drinks food

In addition to avoiding these foods, there are other things you can do to lower your cholesterol, such as:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Managing your weight
  • Quitting smoking
  • Taking medication, if necessary

If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about how to lower your levels. They can help you create a personalized plan that is right for you.

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