15 Foods to Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol
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Ever wonder why your doctor keeps bugging you about cholesterol? It’s because what you eat can really impact those numbers on your blood test. High cholesterol isn’t just a problem for older folks – it can sneak up on anyone, at any age.
Watching what you eat is one of the best ways to keep your cholesterol in check. It’s not about giving up all the foods you love. It’s about making smart choices most of the time. Think of it as being kind to your heart – it works hard for you, so why not return the favor?
Today, we’re going to look at 15 foods that might be causing trouble for your cholesterol levels. Some of these might surprise you! Remember, you don’t have to cut these out completely. The key is to eat them less often or in smaller amounts.
Fried Foods
Who doesn’t love a crispy french fry? But fried foods are tough on your cholesterol. The oil they’re cooked in is often high in unhealthy fats. These fats can raise your bad cholesterol and lower the good kind. Try baking or air frying for a healthier crunch.
Full-Fat Dairy
Creamy whole milk and rich cheese taste great, but they’re packed with saturated fat. This type of fat can send your cholesterol soaring. The good news? Low-fat dairy can be just as satisfying. Give skim milk or light cheese a try.
Red Meat
A juicy steak might make your mouth water, but it’s not doing your cholesterol any favors. Red meat is high in saturated fat. If you love your meat, go for leaner cuts or smaller portions. Chicken or fish can be great alternatives.
Processed Meats
Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats might be convenient, but they’re often high in saturated fat and salt. Both can cause trouble for your cholesterol. Save these for special occasions rather than everyday meals.
Baked Goods
Cookies, cakes, and pastries are hard to resist, but they’re often made with ingredients that raise cholesterol. They’re usually high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Try a piece of fruit for a sweet treat instead.
Fast Food
Burgers and fries might be quick and tasty, but they’re loaded with unhealthy fats. These can make your cholesterol spike. If you’re in a hurry, look for healthier menu options like salads or grilled chicken.
Coconut Oil
It might be trendy, but coconut oil is high in saturated fat. This can raise your cholesterol levels. Olive oil or canola oil are better choices for cooking.
Microwave Popcorn
Movie night favorite? Maybe not. Many brands use oils that can raise your cholesterol. Try air-popped popcorn for a healthier snack.
Ice Cream
This creamy treat is high in saturated fat and sugar. Both can cause trouble for your cholesterol. For a cool treat, try frozen yogurt or sorbet instead.
Liver
Organ meats like liver are packed with cholesterol. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so eating high-cholesterol foods can be too much. If you love liver, enjoy it only once in a while.
Shellfish
Some types of shellfish, like shrimp and crayfish, are high in cholesterol. You don’t have to give them up completely, but eat them in moderation.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks have a lot of cholesterol. If you’re watching your levels, you might want to use more egg whites. Or, try eating fewer whole eggs each week.
Palm Oil
Like coconut oil, palm oil is high in saturated fat. It’s often hiding in packaged foods. Check labels and try to avoid products that use palm oil.
Macaroni and Cheese
This comfort food classic is usually loaded with saturated fat from cheese and whole milk. Try making it with low-fat milk and cheese, or look for healthier recipes.
Potato Chips
These crunchy snacks are often fried in unhealthy oils. Over time, they can raise your cholesterol. For a crunchy snack, try air-popped popcorn or raw veggies instead.
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