Cholesterol is a fatty substance that runs through the bloodstream. It is produced naturally in the liver, and it aids in cell formation and hormone function. But when cholesterol levels become too high, plaque can form in the arteries and restrict blood flow leading to an increased risk of suffering a heart attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have high cholesterol, you should limit your dietary intake to 300mg a day, or 200mg a day if you have heart disease. If you want to avoid it altogether, there are several foods you can choose.
Fruits
Fruits are high in fiber, water, vitamins, natural sugar, and they are also free of cholesterol. This goes for fresh, frozen and canned fruits. Specific examples include peaches, plums, pears, apples, grapes, oranges, bananas, grapefruits, berries, melons, avocados and cherries.
Vegetables
Vegetables are similar to fruits in their high vitamin and fiber content, and they are also non-cholesterol foods. Broccoli, cauliflower, all types of lettuce, spinach, arugula, Brussels sprouts, carrots, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and celery are all examples of these.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are high in fiber, they have a moderate amount of protein, and they are also free of cholesterol. Examples include oatmeal, oat bran, all forms of rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, barley and rye. Breads and cereals are also non-cholesterol foods.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are high in mono and polyunsaturated fats which are the good kinds, and they are free of cholesterol. Almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts and cashews are examples of these.
Oils
In similar fashion to nuts and seeds, oils are composed of mono and polyunsaturated fats, and they do not have cholesterol. Olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil and rapeseed oil are examples of these.
Beans
Beans are high in protein, iron and fiber. They are also free of cholesterol. Specific examples include lima beans, pinto beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans.
Whites
Eggs are high in protein, choline and amino acids. The yolks of eggs are high in cholesterol, and the whites are cholesterol free.
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