Cholesterol is a major fat in the blood. Your body makes its own cholesterol and you get cholesterol from the food you eat. High blood cholesterol increases your risk for heart-related problems such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, according to Penn State University. If you have high blood cholesterol, your doctor may suggest you limit your intake of certain foods known to raise your blood cholesterol level.
Meats
Some meats have high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat in meat is the primary cause of elevated blood cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Meats to avoid with high cholesterol include organ meats such as liver, heart and brains, bacon, spareribs, sausage, pork rib roast, corned beef, ground meat less than 90 percent lean and poultry skin. You should also avoid any fried meats such as fried chicken, fried fish and fried steak. Egg yolks are also a source of cholesterol and your doctor may advise you to limit your egg yolks to two a week. It is also usually recommended to limit your intake of shellfish when you have high blood cholesterol.
Dairy Foods
Some dairy foods also contain high amounts of saturated fats. High-fat dairy foods to avoid if you have high cholesterol include whole milk, 2 percent fat milk, whole-fat cheese and ice cream.
Fried Foods and Fast Foods
It is also recommended you limit your intake of fried foods when you have high cholesterol, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Some examples of fried foods include french fries, onion rings, chicken wings and mozzarella sticks.
Many fast food items are also a source of saturated fat and not recommended when you have high cholesterol. These food items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried fish sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, pizza, egg rolls, fried rice, quesadillas and burritos.
Fats
Animal fats such as butter and lard are high in saturated fat and should not be consumed with high cholesterol. Margarine and shortenings contain hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, known to also raise blood cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association. You should avoid shortening and hard stick margarine to limit your intake of hydrogenated fats.
