Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol is directly related to the types of food you eat. While certain amounts of LDL are produced naturally in the body, foods that are high in saturated fat or trans fatty acids can also contribute to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. If your doctor has advised you to lower your cholesterol levels, it's important to know which foods contribute to an increase in LDL cholesterol.
Meats
Meats are among the primary sources of saturated fat, including beef, pork, lamb, veal and poultry. Red meat, in particular, tends to be higher in cholesterol, containing as much as 3,100 mg of cholesterol per 100-g serving. While you may think of chicken as a healthier alternative to red meat, just 1 cup of cooked chicken contains 641 mg of cholesterol, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database. The Centers for Disease Control recommend replacing meats with fish or other proteins whenever possible. If you do eat meat, choose leaner cuts and trim off any remaining fat before eating.
Dairy
Dairy products are also a significant source of saturated fat, particularly those that are made from whole fats. Ice cream and frozen yogurt are two of the worst dairy foods you can eat if you're trying to lower LDL cholesterol. According to the USDA, just 1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream contains 78 mg of cholesterol, while a 16-oz vanilla shake has 77 mg. If you enjoy dairy products, the CDC recommends opting for 1 percent or 2 percent milk instead of whole and swapping out your regular cheese, ice cream, butter and yogurt selections for low-fat or nonfat versions.
Oils
Certain types of oils also tend to be high in saturated fat, which can elevate your LDL cholesterol level. If you're cooking at home or eating out, you should avoid using coconut oil, palm oil or palm kernel oil. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends using canola, flaxseed or soybean oils as a healthier substitute.
Fast Food
Fast food is convenient but it also tends to be high in cholesterol, typically due to the type and amount of oil used to prepare most fast foods. According to the USDA, the average fast food hamburger has 122 mg of cholesterol, while a plain chicken sandwich has 60 mg. Fast food items that contain eggs or processed meats such as bacon or ham are among the worst foods, averaging between 200 and 300 mg of cholesterol per serving.
Eggs
Eggs are naturally high in cholesterol, and if your LDL levels are already high, you should avoid eggs. According to the USDA, a single extra-large raw egg contains 216 mg of cholesterol. If you still want to eat eggs or you use eggs regularly in baking or cooking, opt for egg whites or cholesterol-friendly egg mixes such as Egg Beaters instead.
