Cholesterol and saturated fats are found in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis, and while the body needs some cholesterol and fat for optimal health and function, too much of either can have detrimental effects on the body such as causing plaque that builds up on the inside surface of arteries, blocking blood flow and adequate oxygenation to cells, tissues and organs. High cholesterol levels in the blood lead to increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Saturated fats contribute excess cholesterol and buildup and should be restricted to maintain health of not only blood vessels, but digestive organs such as the kidneys and liver. Natural fruits, vegetables and grains don't contain cholesterol. A variety of foods contain both cholesterol and saturated fats and should be eaten in moderation.
Cholesterol
All meat or animal based meat products contain cholesterol. The American Heart Organization states that most serving sizes of meats (3 to 4 ounces) contain approximately 70 milligrams of cholesterol and recommend that individuals don't consumer more than 6 ounces of fish, poultry or cooked lean meats per day. Meats that contain cholesterol include beef, organ meat, fowl, pork, poultry and chicken. Meats that contain saturated fats include pork, chicken and beef.
Saturated Fats
Foods such as butter, oils, fatty beef, pork, chicken skin and lamb all contain saturated fats, as does cream, whole milk and vegetable oils. In most cases plant-based foods and oils don't contain saturated fats but can contain cholesterol. The American Heart Association suggests that individuals limit their daily intake of saturated fats to approximately 7 percent of their total daily calories, which means a person on a 2,000 calorie a day diet should not consume more than 140 of those calories as saturated fats.
High Cholesterol and High Fat Foods
Foods that contain both high cholesterol and high saturated fats include bacon, sausage and fatty cuts of meat such as pork or heavily marbled cuts of beef. Poultry served with the skin and egg yolks are also high in both cholesterol and saturated fats. Processed grain products like cakes, pastries, cookies and muffins may also be high in both, as are whole milk products, cheeses and creams.
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