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List of High Cholesterol Foods to Avoid

Marian K
A healthy diet keeps cholesterol levels within the normal range, lowering coronary disease risk. Organ meat, red meat, etc., raises cholesterol. Avoid these high cholesterol foods.
Elevated cholesterol levels puts you at an increased risk of developing heart disease. Those who have high cholesterol levels need to pay attention to their diet. It must be noted that cholesterol is required by the body, as it is used in the production of cell membranes and some hormones.
However, when the levels of this soft, wax-like substance increase beyond the normal range, it could have an adverse effect on the body. This excess cholesterol can attach itself to the walls of the arteries, thereby narrowing or blocking them. This restricts or prevents the flow of oxygen carrying blood to the heart.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is transported between cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as 'bad' cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as 'good' cholesterol. HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and Lp (a) cholesterol constitute the total cholesterol count.
LDL is called bad cholesterol as it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries in the form of plaque. High HDL levels reduce the risk of a heart attack. It is believed that high-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, after which it is passed from the body.
It may also remove excess cholesterol, thus slowing down plaque buildup. Triglycerides are a type of fat made in the body and Lp (a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Therefore, the list of foods to avoid mostly contains foods that are high in LDL.

Foods to Avoid
Now, we will see different kinds of foods along with the quantity and their cholesterol in milligrams.

Breakfast Foods

  • Egg yolk (1 large) - 245
  • French toast with butter (2 slices) - 116
  • Plain Waffles prepared from recipe (75 g) - 52
  • Croissant+butter (1 medium) - 38
  • Ham (2 slices) - 32
  • Butter (1 level tbsp.) - 31
  • Whole milk (1 cup) - 24
  • Cream cheese (1 oz.) - 27
  • Breakfast biscuit with egg and sausage (1) - 302

Lunch and Dinner Foods

  • Fast food hamburger (double patty) (1) - 122
  • Fast food salad, cheese, egg, no dressing (1½ cup) - 98
  • Fast food Tacos (1 large) - 87
  • Fast food Corndog (1) - 79
  • Turkey, neck (1) - 185
  • Beef, ground, 75% lean (6 oz.) - 152
  • Fast food submarine, roast beef (6'') - 73
  • Pepperoni pizza (1 small slice) - 14
  • Chicken liver, cooked (6 oz.) - 880
  • Beef, liver (6 oz.) - 648
  • Turkey, giblets (1 cup) - 419
  • Fast food shrimp, breaded, fried (6-8 shrimp) - 200

Desserts

  • Spongecake (1 slice) - 107
  • Pecan Pie (1 slice) - 106
  • French Vanilla Ice cream (½ cup) - 78
  • Lemon meringue pie (1 slice) - 67
  • Chocolate cake without frosting (1 slice) - 55
Besides learning about the food items that should be avoided by those who have elevated cholesterol levels, you should also be aware of the food items that can help lower cholesterol. So, you need to eat foods that lower your LDL and raise your HDL level.
Foods rich in fiber are good for you as dietary fiber fights against the absorption of cholesterol. Fruits and veggies are good sources of natural fiber, with oatmeal and oat bran being among the best. Walnuts and almonds are also good for heart health, and are proven to reduce cholesterol.
If you want to lower your cholesterol, avoid or cut down the intake of the food items that have been given in the aforementioned list of high cholesterol foods. The inclusion of dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet will prove beneficial.
Disclaimer: The information provided is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.