You can raise your LDL cholesterol levels, and increase your risk for developing heart disease, by eating certain foods. About 102 million people in the United States have high cholesterol levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 35 million of these Americans have cholesterol levels high enough to put them at special risk for developing heart disease. Knowing which foods to eat and what meals to skip can reduce your LDL to a healthy level.
Anatomy
LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is known as "bad cholesterol" because it builds up in the bloodstream, accumulating along the inside walls of blood vessels and eventually hardening into plaque. This can cause hardening of the arteries, and narrowing of the passageways through which blood travels, causing high blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is produced in the livers of animals. About 75 percent of cholesterol is manufactured by the body, and 25 percent is taken in through food, according to the American Heart Association. Some foods are higher in cholesterol than others and can lead to elevated LDL levels.
Types of Fats
There are many foods that raise LDL levels, especially those containing animal fats. Saturated fats are found in animal products, like meat, eggs and dairy. Red, marbled beef has significantly more saturated fat than lean poultry, for example, and whole milk has more fat than skim milk. Regular cheese can raise LDL more than a low-fat version.
Trans Fats
Trans fats, which are manufactured by infusing hydrogen into unsaturated fats to give products a longer shelf life and creamier texture, raise LDL cholesterol levels. Many commercially baked products are high in trans fats, such as donuts, cakes and cookies. Foods fried in trans fat or shortening can raise your LDL levels as compared to those foods prepared using canola or olive oils.
Laboratory Values
Eating too much can raise LDL cholesterol to unhealthy levels. If your diet is high in fat and calories, consult with your physician about having your LDL cholesterol level checked. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL are optimal for prevention of heart disease, according to LabTestsOnline.org, while LDL levels over 160 mg/dL are considered high.
Effects of Obesity
There are also foods that can raise LDL levels by causing you to be overweight. Obesity can raise your cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association. Foods like ice cream may be high in both fat and calories. Eating sugary foods, snacking frequently, and over-eating in general can cause obesity, and in turn cause raised LDL levels in the blood.
