High Cholesterol Foods You Should Avoid

Diet plays a large role in cholesterol levels. When your doctor suggests that you have elevated cholesterol levels, the first thing they will recommend is to change up your diet. This means eating healthier by limiting your intake of processed foods and foods that are high in saturated fat because saturated fat has been found to raise LDL cholesterol levels.

Sure, that’s an easy enough suggestion, but if you aren’t aware which foods are high in saturated fat, then you could very well continue eating foods that can raise your cholesterol.

Therefore, read on to learn which foods contain saturated fat that can contribute to high cholesterol.

Foods High in Cholesterol

Coffee: This one may surprise you, but coffee, when produced through a French press, can raise cholesterol levels. In these coffees, there are high amounts of cafestol, which is responsible for raising cholesterol levels. Making coffee through a filter helps capture cafesol, making it a healthier option.

Shrimp: Generally, seafood is a healthy food to consume when eating to lower cholesterol, but avoid the shrimp. One shrimp cooked without using fat contains 190 milligrams of cholesterol and the recommended daily intake is 300 milligrams in a healthy person without a heart condition. Therefore, two shrimp puts you over the edge.

Some dairy products: Opting for lower fat or fat-free options because the full-fat variety can raise your cholesterol levels.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk is widely used in Thai cuisine but is also very high in saturated fat. Finding Thai recipes that omit coconut milk is a better choice when reducing your cholesterol levels.

Organ meats: Organ meats are much higher in cholesterol and saturated fat than the meat itself. Limit your intake of such items so to not increase your cholesterol.

Stick margarine: Tub varieties of margarine are healthier than the stick variety because they tend to be lower in fat. Butter is also high in saturated fat because it is made from animal fats.

Pasta: Pasta is a versatile meal. What can make or break it as a high cholesterol meal is the sauce and additions. Cream sauces and meat added to pasta can contribute to higher cholesterol. Where lighter sauces with a tomato or olive oil base are healthier options. Furthermore, the amount of cheese you add on top of your pasta is another contributing factor to higher cholesterol.

Duck: Turkey and chicken are healthier options if you are looking to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Also read: What causes low cholesterol? Health risks, symptoms, and treatment of hypocholesterolemia