Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is also known as "bad" cholesterol when compared to counterpart high-density lipoprotein. LDL cholesterol is considered the negative side of cholesterol, because excess amounts of LDL cholesterol results in arterial buildup and eventual blockage that can prevent blood flow to the heart. When it comes to LDL cholesterol, the lower the number, the healthier the cholesterol level. Optimal levels are less than 100 mg/dL, with high levels being anything above 160 mg/dL, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because the source of cholesterol in the body comes from diet, it is important to avoid foods high in LDL cholesterol.
Meats
Some of the highest LDL cholesterol sources come from fatty cuts of meat, particularly organ meats. The highest sources, which contain more than 2,500 milligrams per 100-gram food portion, include cooked beef brains, cooked or braised veal brain, raw beef brains, cooked or braised pork brains and cooked or fried lamb brains.
Non-organ counterparts also contain the highest amounts of cholesterol, such as the fatter cuts of beef, veal, lamb and pork, prepared via cooking, braising or simmering. Chicken liver, duck and goose also rank around the mid-500 milligrams level for LDL cholesterol.
Oils
Certain forms of oil that are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms are known as saturated fats. Saturated fats in foods are associated with high cholesterol and are a contributor to further complications from too-high cholesterol. While most foods high in cholesterol are animal-based, there are several plant-based oils, including coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil, that contain high LDL cholesterol levels.
These foods may not be as high in cholesterol as meats, but they do have a significantly negative impact on overall blood cholesterol levels, according to EMedTV.com.
Other Animal-Based Sources
In addition to meats that are high in LDL cholesterol, there are other animal-based foods that have large amounts of LDL cholesterol. These include eggs; a dried yolk has 2,335 milligrams per 100 milligrams of food. Products made from whole milk, such as milk, yogurt, cream, cheese and ice cream, also have high levels of LDL.
Store-bought or prepackaged baked goods also may be high in LDL cholesterol, as these foods often are made with egg yolks, which contain high amounts of LDL cholesterol. Butter is another food that is high in LDL cholesterol.
