The worst foods for cholesterol are high in saturated and trans fats. From fried foods and fatty meats to processed foods and excessive dairy consumption, these foods raise cholesterol levels which increases the risk of heart disease. It is important to know which foods are the worst for people with high cholesterol to make smart dietary choices and properly manage cholesterol levels.
10 Foods People With High Cholesterol Should Avoid
1. Bacon
Bacon is high in saturated fat and one of the worst foods for cholesterol. With 8.8 mg per slice, this fatty meat should be avoided altogether when on a low-cholesterol diet.
Bacon is in the processed meat family, along with sausages and hot dogs, which are also high in cholesterol and should be avoided when trying to lower your cholesterol. Instead of having bacon for breakfast, look into vegan meats, which are often low in cholesterol but can help satisfy that salt craving.
2. Eggs
While nutritious, eggs are unfortunately very high in cholesterol, delivering 207 milligrams in a single egg.
Most of the cholesterol in the egg (186 milligrams) is found in the yolk, so switching to just consuming the egg whites can lower the impact on your cholesterol and is recommended for those watching cholesterol levels. Scrambles of egg whites with a little salt and pepper can still be a delicious and low-cholesterol breakfast.
3. Cheese
Cheese, similar to eggs, is extremely high in cholesterol, even for the smallest servings. Most types of cheese contain 20 milligrams of cholesterol or more in a single slice.
Although there are low-fat cheeses on the market, these have been found to also raise LDL cholesterol just as much as full-fat cheese, so it is better to pass on the cheese altogether.
However, for an occasional treat, consider fat-free Swiss cheese, pepper jack cheese, or Colby jack cheese, as these have the lowest levels of cholesterol per slice. You can additionally consider cottage cheese, which is fairly low in cholesterol for a cheese product.
4. Shrimp
Shrimp is a bit of a rarity as it is a low-fat food that still packs in a lot of cholesterol per serving. At 170 milligrams in one four-ounce serving, those watching their cholesterol are better off avoiding shrimp.
It isn’t just shrimp, as most shellfish are surprisingly high in cholesterol. So those with a hankering for seafood but watching their cholesterol should gravitate toward fresh white fish like tilapia or mahi mahi, instead.
5. Red Meat
Red meat is packed full of cholesterol, especially the organ meats, which are often consumed for their high mineral content. Red meat is one of the worst foods for cholesterol and should be avoided whenever possible.
Replace red meat in your diet with white meats like chicken and fish, as these meats often have 75% less cholesterol than red meats like pork and beef. Additionally, consider swapping meat entirely for a vegetable from time to time, like portobello mushrooms or a black bean burger; your cholesterol will thank you.
6. Yogurt
Just like cheese, yogurt is a dairy product packed with cholesterol. One cup of yogurt contains 31.8 mg of cholesterol. Not to mention that many commercially available yogurts contain high levels of sugar, making them more of a dessert than a healthy snack.
Despite its high cholesterol content, yogurt is considered a healthy addition to your diet as long as it is plain and unsweetened. Keep an eye on how much yogurt you consume, and keep your portions regulated to a couple of servings per week.
7. Fried Foods
All fried foods, whether they are meats, cheeses, or even just French fries, contain a large amount of cholesterol. Plus, these products contain trans fats, which can increase your chances of heart disease.
When on a low-cholesterol diet, avoid fried foods entirely and look for foods that are steamed or baked instead. While there is no healthy replacement for fried foods, putting fresh veggies in an air fryer or making baked asparagus fries can help curb your cravings.
8. Desserts
Sadly, most desserts, such as cakes, pies, pastries, and ice cream, are packed with cholesterol. Even cookies and candy can be a surprising source of cholesterol for their small sizes.
When craving something sweet, reach for a bowl of fresh fruit or a small amount of dark chocolate to fulfill the craving without raising your cholesterol.
Those who really love dessert can make their own at home, swapping high-cholesterol ingredients for low ones. Below are some common dessert ingredient swaps.
- Whole milk for 1% milk
- Eggs for egg whites
- Milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips
- Cream cheese for xylitol-sweetened ricotta cheese
- Butter for olive oil or vegetable oil
9. Pizza
As delicious as pizza is, it is packed with ingredients that raise cholesterol levels, from the food to the meat toppings and even the crust itself. Frozen pizza, which is convenient, is especially bad for the body and should be avoided at all costs as these products are especially high in trans fats.
Instead of pizza, consider making a whole-grain flatbread, selecting a low-cholesterol cheese, and swapping meat toppings for veggies. While it won’t taste exactly like pizza, it can curb your craving while keeping your cholesterol under control.
10. Movie Theater Popcorn
Movie theater popcorn is known for its delicious buttery flavor, but the artificial liquid butter used by most theaters is absolutely packed with cholesterol. At home, you can invest in an air popper and make your own popcorn with just a little bit of salt to keep your cholesterol low.
For those who want to enjoy a movie at a theater, skip the popcorn and consider a bag of nuts or a grilled chicken wrap if available. Otherwise, chocolate-covered raisins can also be a lower cholesterol solution if they are covered in dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
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