10 High-Cholesterol Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Did you know all cholesterol is not bad cholesterol?

Shocked?

But it is true that when we think about cholesterol, the only thing that comes to mind is how harmful it is. However, that is not the case. 

Most people who are trying to be healthy try to avoid foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol. However, it is a total myth that you cannot stay healthy by eating food that has high cholesterol amounts. Multiple food items are high in cholesterol but contain ample nutrients, which should not be avoided. 

In this blog, you will learn about all the high-cholesterol food items.

You must avoid and consume. But before that, it is important to know what kind of cholesterol harms the body and how cholesterol in food impacts the body.

Understanding Cholesterol and its Types:

Cholesterol is a crucial fatty substance in the body, essential for various functions, including forming cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. The liver produces all the cholesterol the body needs; it can also be obtained from animal-based foods. There are mainly two types of cholesterol that can impact one’s body, either in a good or a bad way:

Types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:

LDL is often labeled "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to cells, and excess LDL can deposit cholesterol on artery walls.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol:

HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, transporting it back to the liver for processing and elimination. High HDL levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

These are the two main types of cholesterol that can impact one’s health. A rise in LDL, if left unnoticed, can trigger heart- or liver-related conditions.

Also read: If you want to understand high cholesterol and its symptoms.

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/heart/what-is-high-cholesterol-what-are-the-symptoms-of-high-cholesterol/

High-cholesterol foods that are good for health:

High-cholesterol food and good for health—hard to believe, no?

Many food items have high cholesterol levels, but they are very beneficial for your body as they contain many other nutrients that make the food a healthy option. Many of them are included in people's daily diets. 

• Eggs:

Despite their high cholesterol content, eggs are known to be packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for eye health. If you are eating eggs regularly, then there is an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which generally has a minimal impact on LDL (bad) cholesterol for most people.

• Shellfish:

Shrimp, crab, and lobster are high in cholesterol but low in fat. They provide valuable nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and zinc. Shellfish can support heart health and improve lipid profiles.

• Liver:

The liver is rich in cholesterol and vital nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and folate. It's an excellent source of protein and helps maintain healthy blood, preventing anemia.

• Cheese:

While cheese contains cholesterol and saturated fats, it also offers calcium, protein, and many other vitamins. When consumed in moderation, cheese can be part of a healthy diet. Some types of cheese, particularly fermented varieties, can promote gut health. 

• Full-fat Yogurt:

Full-fat yogurt is high in cholesterol, but that does not mean it should be excluded from your diet. Along with high cholesterol levels, it is also rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics. It's beneficial for keeping your gut and bones healthy and aids in weight management—probiotics in yogurt support a healthy immune system.

If you include these high-cholesterol food items in your diet in a balanced quantity, it will be a boon for your health. 

5 High-Cholesterol Foods You Should Avoid: 

You read about food items with high cholesterol that benefit your body. Multiple food items cause major harm to the body due to their high cholesterol content. Some of these food items are listed below:

• Fried Foods:

Foods like fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried items are high in cholesterol and unhealthy fats. They can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

• Processed Meats:

Sausages, bacon, and hot dogs are high in cholesterol and contain high saturated fats and sodium levels. Regular consumption is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

• Baked Goods and Sweets:

Pastries, cakes, cookies, and donuts often contain high cholesterol levels, trans fats, and added sugars. These can lead to weight gain, increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Full-fat dairy products:

While some full-fat dairy products, like yogurt, can be beneficial, others, like whole milk, cream, and butter, are high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Excessive consumption can negatively impact heart health.

• Fast Food:

Many fast-food items, including burgers, pizza, and fried snacks, contain cholesterol, unhealthy fats, and calories. Frequent consumption is associated with obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.

These food items contain too many calories and hurt your health, and they can also contribute to raising the LDL level in your body. If you have been consuming any of these food items regularly, you may need to get a grip and control your diet to keep your cholesterol levels in check. 

How do you control rising cholesterol levels?

Do you suspect that there are chances for you to have high cholesterol levels?

Then, it is time for you to take active measures to get your cholesterol levels under control. Some of the steps that you can take to get your rising cholesterol levels under control are:

• Reduce your intake of saturated fat.
• Eliminate trans fat from your diet.
• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods.
• Increase your intake of soluble fiber.
• Include whey protein in your diet.

However, above all, you need to get your lipid profile test done regularly. It helps you monitor your cholesterol levels; if there are any abnormalities, you can consult your health provider. 

Also read: To know everything about the cholesterol test and how to get it done.

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/how-and-when-to-have-cholesterol-checked/

Conclusion:

Food items contain cholesterol, and having them can impact your body’s cholesterol level. Some food items with high cholesterol levels can affect the body poorly; however, others are known to keep you healthy if consumed in a balanced manner. Some of these food items have been listed above so that you can plan your diet accordingly and your health will not be harmed.

Even after taking care of your diet well, it is important to keep getting yourself tested regularly to ensure there are no abnormalities.

Get your lipid profile test done at Redcliffe Labs now!

Consult with your doctor. If they suspect that you may have high cholesterol, they may suggest that you get your lipid profile tested. This test indicates the levels of LDL and HDL in the bloodstream.

If you are looking for a place to get tested, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs and collect your blood sample from the comfort of your home. More than 50,000 health providers trust us to give 100% accurate test reports within a stipulated timeframe. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Book your test from our website or download the RedcliffeLabs app now!