Two types of proteins carry cholesterol through the blood: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes HDL cholesterol as "good" cholesterol, because it can help reduce your levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, and lower your risk of heart disease. Avoid foods high in LDL cholesterol or consume them in moderation.
Meats
Meats, particularly organ meats such as liver, kidneys and sweetbreads, provide the most concentrated sources of LDL cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. Fried meats served at fast food restaurants contain even more cholesterol. Avoid fatty cuts of meat and choose lean meats and skinless poultry instead. Fish also provides a good alternative to fatty meats, and can help you increase your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL.
Dairy Products and Eggs
Dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream and whole milk contain high amounts of LDL cholesterol. Desserts and espresso drinks containing cream or whole milk can also increase your LDL cholesterol. Choose skim milk instead of whole milk whenever possible--for example, when you order coffee or espresso drinks. Avoid butter substitutes such as margarine, which typically contain high amounts of saturated fat and trans fats. Substitute unsaturated fats such as olive oil or canola oil for butter and margarine. Egg yolks also have high quantities of LDL cholesterol, so consume these in moderation or use only the egg whites to make omelets.
Snack Foods
Salty and sweet snack foods can have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels. Many snack foods such as cookies, chips and crackers contain trans fats in the form of hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Even if the packaging of a snack food item proclaims it free of trans fat, it may still contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat, according to MayoClinic.com, and can increase your LDL cholesterol if you consume the item regularly. Check the ingredient lists of snack foods, and avoid foods containing hydrogenated oils.
