High levels of cholesterol contribute to heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Reducing your consumption of cholesterol can help lower your blood's cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is only found in animal products, and some meats are naturally higher in the substance than other types of meat.
Liver
Organ meats, specifically liver, have some of the highest levels of cholesterol found in meats. Cholesterol levels vary depending on the kind of liver you're eating. For example, a 100g serving of chicken liver nets you 345 mg of cholesterol, according to the national nutrient database run by the United States Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, the same amount of goose liver gives you 515mg of cholesterol.
Shrimp
The California Seafood Council at the University of California-Davis warns that shrimp has high levels of cholesterol, with generally 200 percent more than found in other kinds of meat, such as chicken. Eating just four shrimp gets you 43mg of cholesterol.
Salami
Salami may make for a juicy topping on crackers or with cheese, but this processed meat is also high in cholesterol and fats. Just a single ounce of pork salami provides you with 22mg of cholesterol, while beef salami has approximately 20mg.
Oysters
The Virginia Cooperative Extension advises steering clear of oysters because of their high cholesterol content. Consume just six pieces of this shellfish delicacy and you'll get approximately 108mg of cholesterol.
Crab
It doesn't help that fatty, greasy butter often gets put on crab, a meat that's high in cholesterol. In just a single leg of the average Alaska king crab, you'll ingest approximately 71mg of cholesterol.
