HEALTHLINE – While certain cholesterol-rich foods are highly nutritious and can be beneficial to your health, others can be harmful. Here are 4 high cholesterol foods that are best to limit or avoid.
Fried foods
Fried foods, such as deep-fried meats and cheese sticks, are high in cholesterol and worth avoiding whenever possible.
That’s because they’re high in calories and may contain trans fats, which can increase heart disease risk and be detrimental to your health in many other ways. High intake of fried foods has also been linkedTrusted Source to an increased risk of heart disease.
Fast food
Fast food intake is a major risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
People who frequently eat fast food tend to haveTrusted Source higher cholesterol, more belly fat, higher levels of inflammation, higher blood pressure, and impaired blood sugar regulation.
Processed meats
Processed meats, such as sausages, bacon, and hot dogs, are high cholesterol foods that you should limit in your diet.
A large review involving more than 614,000 participants associated each additional 2-oz (50-g) serving of processed meat per day with a 42% higher chanceTrusted Source of heart disease.
Desserts
Cookies, cakes, ice cream, pastries, and other sweets tend to be high in cholesterol, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories.
ResearchTrusted Source has linked high added sugar intake to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, mental decline, and certain cancers. Plus, these foods often lack nutrients your body needs to thrive, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats.
