High levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream increase your likelihood for developing debilitating illnesses later in life, such as Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol is the main reason for increased levels of cholesterol and high incidence of heart disease in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation cites a study by Kaiser Permanente that links mildly elevated blood cholesterol levels in midlife with Alzheimer's in later years. Identify and regulate food containing dietary cholesterol to manage your risk for serious illnesses.
Limit
The American Heart Association suggests a healthy person restrict his intake of dietary cholesterol to no more than 300 mg each day. A person with high blood cholesterol should further reduce his intake to 200 mg daily. There is no minimum requirement for cholesterol -- you do not have to consume cholesterol for your body to function properly; your body produces all the cholesterol it needs.
Sources
Animals, including humans, produce cholesterol in their livers. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol in your body. You get the rest through the food you consume. Animal products, such as meat, eggs and dairy, contain cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables do not contain cholesterol unless you add animal products such as butter or cream during preparation.
Food
Organ meat, such as chicken giblets and beef liver, are very high in dietary cholesterol. One extra large egg has about 245 mg of cholesterol, which is more than someone with high blood cholesterol should have in one day. Many fast foods are high in dietary cholesterol, with some meals containing more than 550 mg of cholesterol.
Risks
Cholesterol is necessary for many physiological functions, including cell membrane structure, the manufacture of bile, bile salts and hormones and vitamin metabolism. Excess cholesterol and other fatty substances build up in your bloodstream and collect inside the walls of blood vessels. This accumulation damages arteries and prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching vital organs, such as your brain or heart.
Alternatives
Replace foods high in dietary cholesterol with healthier choices. For example, use egg white or egg substitute whenever possible. Increase the importance of vegetables and whole grains in the meal and treat meat as a side dish. Prepare meals at home rather than eating at fast food restaurants. Decrease the dietary cholesterol in your daily meals to reduce your risk for high blood cholesterol and its associated diseases.
