There are two kinds of cholesterol: LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, or good cholesterol. When you have too much LDL or not enough HDL, it can lead to blocked arteries and possibly a heart attack. Your body produces cholesterol on its own, but the foods you eat may also contribute to your cholesterol levels. The amount of dietary cholesterol you can consume will vary between 200 mg or less for those with high blood pressure or coronary disease to a limit of 300 mg if you are in good health, according to guidelines set by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee. Knowing which foods are highest in cholesterol will help you balance your diet to fit these guidelines.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are very high in cholesterol. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one extra large egg contains 245 mg of cholesterol. All of the cholesterol in an egg is contained within the yolk; egg whites do not have any cholesterol. Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, recommends consuming no more than one egg per day and limiting your cholesterol intake for the rest of the day. Another option is to use just egg whites or egg substitutes, which are cholesterol-free.
Organ Meats
Some organ meats from poultry, beef or pork contain cholesterol. These include chicken giblets, which have a whopping 641 mg of cholesterol per cup and beef liver, which has 324 mg of cholesterol per 3 oz., reports the USDA.
Crustaceans
Cholesterol is also found in crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobster. The USDA says shrimp has approximately 214 mg of cholesterol per 3-oz. serving, while the same size serving of lobster contains 61 mg.
Other Food Sources
According to the American Heart Association, "Cholesterol is only found in animal products." This includes all meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. The amounts of cholesterol can vary widely. Nonfat yogurt, for example, contains less than 10 mg of cholesterol in a cup, notes the USDA, while 3 oz. of canned sardines can have up to 125 mg.
Your Body
The American Heart Association reports that 75 percent of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver and other cells. Some people may be genetically predisposed to producing even more and may also be more prone to being affected by cholesterol through the foods they eat.
