Today we will discuss food that contains high level of cholesterol and which foods you should avoid. Cholesterol, a lipid with a waxy texture, is present in every cell within your body. It serves crucial roles, including hormone synthesis, vitamin D production, and aiding in the creation of bile acids for fat digestion. Yet, excessive cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream can elevate the likelihood of heart disease and strokes.
Cholesterol originates from two primary sources: your liver and your dietary choices. Your liver is responsible for producing the necessary cholesterol your body requires. Yet, cholesterol can also be obtained by consuming animal-based foods like meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. It’s worth noting that while some of these foods offer valuable nutrients, others may not be as favorable for your health.
It is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) to maintain a daily routine that supports a healthy heart—dietary cholesterol intake under 300 milligrams (mg). However, experts emphasize that the quantity of cholesterol in your diet may not be as pivotal as the type and quality of fats you consume. Notably, saturated and trans fats substantially impact blood cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol.
Therefore, the key lies in opting for foods low in saturated and trans fats while prioritizing those rich in unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants. These dietary choices can reduce LDL and enhance HDL, protecting heart health.
This article will compile a list of high-cholesterol foods and provide insights into whether they should be incorporated into your diet or approached cautiously.
Foods to eat
Some foods with high cholesterol also offer a wealth of protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients. When consumed in moderation and balanced with foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat, these items can be integrated into a health-conscious diet.
Here are examples of nutritious foods that are high in cholesterol:
Eggs
Eggs are renowned for their exceptional nutritional value. They supply high-quality protein, choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and additional antioxidants that support brain, eye, and immune health. A single large egg contains approximately 186 mg of cholesterol, which exceeds half of the daily recommended limit. Nevertheless, research indicates that eggs may not significantly elevate blood cholesterol like saturated and trans fats. Consuming eggs might enhance HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Hence, you can enjoy eggs as part of a well-rounded diet, but limiting your intake to one or two per day is advisable.
Cheese
Cheese is a valuable calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B12 source. It also features probiotics that can promote gut health. However, cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. A serving of Swiss cheese contains about 20mg of cholesterol and 5g of saturated fat. Consequently, it’s recommended to restrict your cheese consumption to one or two servings daily and opt for low-fat or reduced-fat varieties whenever possible.
Shellfish
Shellfish, including clams, crab, shrimp, lobster, oysters, and scallops, offer a rich source of essential nutrients like protein, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, and vitamin B12. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride levels. However, shellfish are high in cholesterol; some contain mercury or contaminants. To maintain a balanced diet, limit your shellfish consumption to two or three servings per week and opt for wild-caught or sustainably farmed varieties whenever possible.
Pasture-raised steak
Pasture-raised steak from grass-fed cows offers leaner meat with higher omega-3 fatty acid content than conventional beef. It also boasts more vitamin E, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and selenium. A 4-ounce serving contains approximately 62 mg of cholesterol and 4 grams of saturated fat. While pasture-raised steak can be part of a healthy diet, control portion sizes to 3 ounces or less per serving.
Organ meats like liver, kidney, heart, and brain are nutrient powerhouses, providing abundant protein, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin A, B12, folate, choline, and coenzyme Q10. However, they also have some of the highest cholesterol levels among animal foods. For instance, a 3-ounce serving of beef liver contains 333 mg of cholesterol and 5 grams of saturated fat. Therefore, consuming organ meats sparingly is advisable, limiting them to once or twice a month for a well-rounded diet.
Food to avoid
Certain food with high level of cholesterol often come bundled with elevated levels of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugar, or additives that pose health risks and elevate the potential for heart disease and strokes. It is advisable to steer clear of or limit the consumption of such foods in your diet.
Here are some instances of less-than-ideal food with high level of cholesterol content:
Fast food
The fast-food world often boasts calorie-rich, fatty, sodium-laden, sugary, and additive-packed offerings that can lead to elevated blood pressure levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. These options typically incorporate lower-quality meat, dairy products, and oils brimming with saturated and trans fats. For instance, a double cheeseburger from a popular fast food establishment contains 175 mg of cholesterol and 12 grams of saturated fat. As a result, it is advisable to steer clear of fast food or opt for healthier alternatives like salads, grilled chicken, or veggie burgers when dining out.
Processed meat
Processed meats, including bacon, sausage, ham, salami, hot dogs, and deli meats, boast notable cholesterol levels, saturated fat, sodium, nitrates, and nitrites. These components can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. For instance, a 3-ounce serving of turkey bacon contains 86 mg of cholesterol and 4 grams of saturated fat. Limiting processed meat intake to two portions per week and opting for leaner, less processed alternatives such as chicken, turkey, or fish is advised.
Sardines
Small and oily fish provide a wealth of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. They also offer relatively low levels of mercury and contaminants compared to larger fish. Nevertheless, sardines are high in cholesterol and sodium, which can heighten blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. An ounce of sardines carries as much as 40 mg of cholesterol and 121 mg of sodium. To maintain a balanced approach, it’s advisable to limit sardine intake to one or two servings per week and favor low-sodium varieties when possible.
Baked goods
Baked goods, encompassing cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, croissants, and doughnuts, are calorie-dense treats laden with sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats that can lead to elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Additionally, they feature ingredients like eggs, butter, cream, cheese, or margarine, all rich in cholesterol and saturated fat. For example, a medium-sized chocolate chip cookie contains 14 mg of cholesterol and 3 grams of saturated fat. As a result, it’s best to abstain from or restrict your indulgence in baked goods and opt for healthier snacks like fruits, nuts, seeds, or yogurt instead.
Summary
In conclusion, it is essential to be mindful of food with high level of cholesterol and manage them through diet and lifestyle changes. Limiting the intake of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat, choosing healthy fats, increasing fiber intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and considering medication can all help manage cholesterol levels and promote overall health. By making these changes, one can limit the risk of heart disease and stroke and increase their life span by taking necessary precautions.
