Blood cholesterol levels are primarily a function of the body's cholesterol production. The liver and cells make three-fourths of blood cholesterol, while one-fourth comes from food, according to the American Heart Association. Exercise and reducing consumption of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat are important parts of treating high cholesterol and maintaining healthy levels. Only foods from animal sources contain cholesterol.
Meat
Meat -- such as beef, veal, lamb, pork and venison -- contains cholesterol, and has significant amounts of saturated fat, which contributes to high blood cholesterol levels even more than dietary cholesterol. Organ meats are especially high in cholesterol. For example, 3.5 oz of beef liver has 389 mg of cholesterol, notes the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center. The leaner the cut of meat, the less cholesterol it contains. Opt for cuts with the word "round" or "loin" to limit cholesterol as much as possible, and trim the fat before cooking.
Poultry
Poultry is leaner than other meats, generally providing less cholesterol and saturated fat. However, it does have significant amounts, particularly in the skin. A skinless, 3.5 oz. serving of white meat chicken has 85 mg of cholesterol, notes the UCSF Medical Center. Like other meat organs, however, poultry organs are extremely high in cholesterol; 3.5 oz. of chicken liver contains 631 mg.
Seafood
Shellfish and fish contain cholesterol and saturated fat, but are a leaner, healthier alternative to meat. Shrimp is noteworthy for its high cholesterol content, with 3.5 oz. containing 194 mg, as is squid, with the same size serving containing 231 mg, according to the UCSF Medical Center. Many other shellfish, though, such as crab and oysters, contain a little more than 50 mg of cholesterol per 3.5-oz. serving. Many fish contain less than 50 mg in a 3.5-oz. portion.
Eggs and Dairy
Egg yolks are commonly singled out for their high cholesterol content, with each one containing about 212 mg. This is why egg whites are often used as a heart-healthy alternative, although egg yolks offer a lot of nutrients in exchange for their high cholesterol. Milk, cream, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, pudding and all other dairy products also contain cholesterol. Opting for low-fat or non-fat milk and dairy limits cholesterol and saturated fat intake from this food group.
Saturated and Trans Fats
Items such as butter, some butter-replacement products and other hydrogenated oils, cream cheese and lard contain cholesterol, as do the foods made with them. Butter contains 11 mg of cholesterol per teaspoon, notes the UCSF Medical Center. Forgo these products as much as possible and opt for vegetable oils instead, which have no cholesterol, minimal saturated fat and significant amounts of healthy unsaturated fats.
