Cholesterol is a lipid, also known as a fat, found in the bloodstream and cells throughout the body. Cells in the liver produce approximately 75 percent of the total cholesterol in the body while foods contribute the other 25 percent. Although some foods contain cholesterol, foods high in saturated or trans fats also contribute to high cholesterol levels. If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, defined by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute as total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, avoid certain foods to help you achieve lower cholesterol levels.
Eggs
Eggs have received a lot of attention in regards to their nutrition. In previous years the media reported doctors' findings that eggs contained high levels of cholesterol and should be avoided. More recently doctors and nutritionists decided that you need not completely avoid eggs as they do offer many nutritional benefits, including high quality proteins, vitamins such as folate and choline and minerals such as zinc and iron. The egg, specifically the egg yolk, does in fact contain significant levels of cholesterol with each yolk providing 213 mg of dietary cholesterol, as listed by the American Heart Association. Since doctors recommend consuming 300 mg or less of cholesterol each day, eating just one egg contributes the majority of the days' allowance. For those with normal cholesterol levels, eating eggs in moderation as a part of a heart-healthy balanced diet does not affect overall cholesterol levels. If you already have high cholesterol; however, you should avoid eating eggs since the American Heart Association recommends you consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day.
High Fat Animal Products
Foods contain four types of fat; monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated and trans. Because the body needs fat in order to function, doctors recommend that 25 to 35 percent of your total daily calories come from fat. Saturated fats, so named because the carbon atoms are completely saturated with hydrogen atoms, are usually solid at room temperature. Foods derived from animals, including beef, veal, lamb, poultry, pork and dairy products all contain saturated fats. Because saturated fats contribute to high cholesterol levels, high-fat foods derived from animals should be avoided. In addition, high-fat animal products also contain dietary cholesterol. Instead of eating a ribeye steak, enjoy a piece of lean turkey without the skin.
Fried Foods
While fried foods may taste good and satisfy cravings, those with high cholesterol levels need to avoid fried foods in order to lower cholesterol levels. Many restaurants use partially hydrogenated vegetable oil to fry their foods because this type of oil can withstand repeated heating without breaking it down, as explained by the Harvard School of Public Health. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, classified as a trans fat, is produced by heating liquid vegetable oil in the presence of hydrogen. Trans fats raise the levels of bad cholesterol, known as LDL, while decreasing the levels of good cholesterol, or HDL. Because of this overall effect on cholesterol, you should consume no more than 1 percent of your daily calories in trans fats.
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