The foods you eat directly affect your cholesterol level. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that exists in every cell of your body. Your body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, cholesterol moves through your blood attached to proteins. This combination is called a lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is regarded as "good" cholesterol. Although cholesterol is found in some foods, your body naturally produces all the cholesterol that it requires. One way to manage your cholesterol is to consider your dietary intake and limit or avoid the foods that contribute the most to your cholesterol intake.
Trans Fats
The American Heart Association (AHA) says trans fats usually contain significant amounts of dietary cholesterol and should be restricted or eliminated. Trans fats are especially unhealthy because they increase your bad cholesterol while lowering your good cholesterol. Trans fats are commonly found in pizza, pie crusts, french fries, cookies and crackers. They are also contained in many shortenings and margarine.
Meat
Successfully managing your cholesterol levels also involves consuming less-saturated fats that are found in meat and dairy products. The AHA recommends that the daily intake of lean meat, fish and poultry should not exceed 6 oz. Some of the meats that are high in cholesterol include organ meats (kidney, liver, brain), high-fat processed meats (hot dogs, salami, sausage, bologna) and duck and goose meat.
The AHA says a maximum 10 percent of your daily caloric intake should come from saturated fats. You may want to consider replacing animal sources of protein with vegetables such as beans, which are high in protein.
Dairy
Another source of saturated fats is dairy products and they should also be limited to control your cholesterol levels. Choose low-fat dairy products and limit your consumption of whole milk, cream, ice cream, butter, cheese and eggs yolks. Keep in mind that numerous baked goods (cookies, cakes, etc.) are made with egg yolks and as such should also be restricted.
