High cholesterol levels are a concern for more than 102 million Americans, according to 2010 statistics gathered by the American Heart Association. These numbers are driven by hereditary factors in part, but many cases of high cholesterol occur as a result of dietary choices made by individuals. Understanding which foods cause high cholesterol can lead to more intelligent food choices that can keep high cholesterol levels from being an unpleasant surprise.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats do more to raise LDL, or "bad," cholesterol than any other dietary factor, according the to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Examples of foods high in saturated fats include coconut oil, baked goods and processed meats. The British Heart Foundation notes that the single most important thing to be done to improve a diet where high cholesterol is an issue is to screen out foods that are high in saturated fats.
Trans Fats
Trans fats, such as those contained in hydrogenated vegetable oils, have been linked to higher cholesterol, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Common foods that are high in trans fats include margarine, fried foods like french fries and donuts, processed foods and snack foods like cookies and crackers. Trans fats are particularly effective at raising LDL levels of cholesterol while simultaneously lowering HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, notes EmedTV.
Foods with Added Sugar
Sweetened foods can be a cause of high cholesterol. According to Natural News, researchers have linked consuming fewer foods with added sugar with lower overall blood cholesterol levels. By cutting out foods with added sugar and replacing them with foods with naturally-occurring sweetness, like fruit, it is possible to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride, or blood fat, levels, reports Natural News.
Animal-Based Foods
Foods that are made from animals or animal by-products are known to cause high cholesterol. Some of the more common food items in this category include eggs yolks, cheeses and meat. However, the British Heart Foundation notes that these foods contribute less to overall blood cholesterol levels than other dietary choices such as saturated fats.
