Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body, causing the fatty substance to build up in your arteries. LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease. To avoid unhealthy cholesterol levels, limit your consumption of foods that increase LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and decrease HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol. Avoiding high-cholesterol foods and eating healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich foods can help you lower your LDL cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com.
Animal Products
Fatty meats and poultry skins often contain high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. Organ meats such as kidneys, liver, brains and pancreas contain the highest sources of cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. Egg yolks also contain high cholesterol. Eat lean meats or fish instead of fatty meat when possible, and use egg substitutes. Dairy products with high amounts of saturated fat can also increase your cholesterol. Avoid butter, whole milk, cream and other dairy products that contain saturated fat.
Saturated Fats
Foods with saturated fat can increase LDL cholesterol levels in your body. Saturated fat should account for less than 10 percent of your daily calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoid consuming baked goods, sweets, drinks or coffee with heavy cream, butter and other sources of saturated fat. Substitute olive oil for butter when cooking, and have cereal and coffee with skim milk instead of whole milk or cream.
Trans Fats
Foods that contain trans fat typically remain solid at room temperature. Common foods that contain trans fat include margarine and processed chips, cookies and crackers. Product nutrition labels do not list trans fat if the product contains less than 0.5g of the substance, according to MayoClinic.com. To see whether or not a product has trans fat, consult that product's ingredients list. If a food contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil, it contains some trans fat.
High-Salt Foods
Foods high in salt can increase your LDL cholesterol. Limit your salt intake and choose low-sodium soups, broths and cooking stocks. Avoid heavily salted processed foods and snacks. Substitute healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, for salty, processed snacks.
