Foods That Increase Cholesterol

Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is important because high levels have been linked to heart disease. The most effective way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is by avoiding certain foods that have a high cholesterol content.

What Cholesterol Is

Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that is both naturally created by the body and consumed in food. It is needed to maintain healthy cell functions, membrane formation and hormone function within multiple body systems. However, at increased levels, it can build up as plaque on cell walls and inhibit healthy blood flow.

Saturated Fats

Foods that are high in saturated fats, or trans fatty acids, will increase your blood cholesterol level in a bad way more than any other element of your diet. To avoid saturated fats, start by checking nutritional labels and avoiding foods high in saturated fats. Also, decrease the amount of fried food you consume.

Meats

Meats that contain the word "prime" or have a high amount of white fat are usually high in fat and cholesterol. Meats that have a lot of marbling, or fatty channels running through the grain, are also high in cholesterol. In addition, meat products that contain more than 3g of fat per ounce are typically high in cholesterol.

Dairy Products

Whole milk dairy products, such as ice cream, cheese, cream cheese and custards are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. In addition, eggs and heavy creams can be attributed to increased cholesterol levels. In order to avoid high cholesterol from dairy products, choose products that are low in fat or made with 1 percent milk.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, when processed by the body, are converted to glucose. If unused, the glucose is stored as a triglyceride, which can ultimately increase cholesterol levels. Since complex and processed carbohydrates are difficult to digest, avoiding them is important to keeping cholesterol levels low.