High cholesterol is a major concern for many people, especially those who have a history of heart attacks. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states that having a high blood cholesterol level can lead to heart disease and strokes. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain no cholesterol, as cholesterol is only found in animal products. Though meat and fish both contain cholesterol, there is a distinction between the two.
Step 1
Look at how much cholesterol the different types of meat and fish contain, per serving. The University of California at San Francisco Medical Center compared 3 1/2 oz. servings of a variety of different fish and meats. The website shows that a serving of halibut has only 41 mg of cholesterol while the same size serving of salmon has 63 mg. A serving of lean, ground beef has 78 mg of cholesterol, a lamb foreshank has 106 mg and skinless chicken has 85 mg, states the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends eating less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol every day.
Step 2
Compare saturated fat levels in the different animal products. The American Heart Association states that while dietary cholesterol does have some effect on serum cholesterol, eating foods with saturated fat raise blood cholesterol levels even more. The University of California at San Francisco Medical Center states that halibut has no saturated fat and salmon has 2 mg per serving while lean ground beef has 7 mg per serving. A pork chop has 10 mg of saturated fat, though a skinless chicken breast has only 1 mg of saturated fat, according to the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends keeping saturated fat levels under 7 percent of your daily caloric intake, for heart health.
Step 3
Consider the cooking method used in preparing the meat or fish. The American Heart Association states that removing the skin from meats like chicken and turkey will help to reduce the cholesterol level. Choosing a leaner beef such as 90 percent lean ground beef instead of 80 percent lean ground beef will also cut cholesterol. Cooking meats like chicken or fish in butter or cream sauces will increase their cholesterol levels since dairy products contain cholesterol. Instead, look for a fish or meat which is poached or cooked with olive oil, which has no cholesterol.
