What Foods Should Be Avoided If You Have High Cholesterol?

Having a high cholesterol level means that you should consider changing your diet to incorporate foods lower in cholesterol. Your high cholesterol level can be managed with dietary changes, especially if you know what foods contain higher cholesterol levels and avoid consuming those types of foods.

Significance

Those with high cholesterol or individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle should choose foods that are lowest in cholesterol. Having high cholesterol could put you at risk for several health conditions, including heart attack.

List of Foods

Food that are high in cholesterol are:
Beef
Organ meats and by-products (such as liver, gizzards, heart)
Eggs (whole eggs)
Whole milk and whole milk products (such as butter, cheese and yogurt)
Some shellfish (particularly crab and shrimp)

Function

The body naturally produces cholesterol, and approximately 25 percent of cholesterol is consumed through daily foods. Good cholesterol, or HDL, is utilized by the body for growing cells, hormones or use for other healthy body functions.

Considerations

While good cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol, is helpful to the body, there is another type, or LDL which is "bad" cholesterol. Eating foods high in cholesterol will raise the LDL numbers, thereby putting you at risk for a heart attack.

Benefits

Eating a low cholesterol diet can help control your cholesterol, as well as provide an overall feeling of wellness. Make healthy meal choices, such as lean meats, and foods high in fiber. Incorporating dark green vegetables also help keep cholesterol levels in check.