Cholesterol is naturally produced by your liver, but you can also increase your cholesterol levels by consuming certain foods. To eat a diet that is high in cholesterol, you will have to consume mainly animal products or animal byproducts. Plant-based foods do not contain cholesterol. When increasing the cholesterol in your diet, is it important to talk with your doctor because there are a number of risks associated with high cholesterol including heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Seafood and Fish
Fish and seafood are often considered to be a low fat, and while they are a recommended source of healthy vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, eating some types of seafood and fish will also increase your overall dietary cholesterol. HealthAliciousness.com reports that 100g of oysters contain about 105mg of cholesterol, sardines contain 142mg of cholesterol per 100g serving, shrimp contains 195mg of cholesterol per 100mg serving, and caviar will provide 588mg of cholesterol per 100g serving.
Eggs
Eating two eggs will send you over your daily limit of cholesterol intake. According to the American Heart Association, an egg contains 213mg of cholesterol and the daily recommended limit is 300mg. Therefore, adding eggs to your diet will increase your cholesterol intake.
When including eggs in your diet, it is important to use the entire egg to increase your cholesterol intake; eating only the egg whites and avoiding the yolk will significantly decrease the amount of cholesterol in the egg.
Dairy
Whole milk dairy products and even some low-fat dairy products contain a high level of cholesterol. These products also contain a high level of saturated fat; therefore, including whole milk products in your diet will not only significantly increase your intake of cholesterol, but also your saturated fat.
According to the University of Delaware, one cup of whole milk contains 35mg of cholesterol and an ounce of cheddar or Swiss cheese contains 28mg. Therefore, by adding whole milk products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream to your diet, you will increase your dietary cholesterol.
Organ Meats
Including organ meats in your diet will significantly increase your overall cholesterol intake. The University of Delaware reports that eating a 4 ounce serving of beef liver will increase your cholesterol intake by 500mg.
Processed Meats
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lamb and duck, are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. HealthAliciousness.com reports the amount of cholesterol in processed meat will vary depending on how it is cut, but a 100g serving of bratwurst or liver sausage will contain about 158mg of cholesterol. Eating processed meats regularly will help you maintain a high cholesterol diet.
Sweets and Pastries
When you think of sweets and pastries, you may not normally think of cholesterol, but some of these foods will provide significant amounts of cholesterol because of the ingredients they are made with. If pastries and sweets are made with whole eggs, whole milk and butter, they will contain a high level of cholesterol. The University of Delaware reports that using just one tablespoon of butter will increase cholesterol by 31mg.
