Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in cells that are naturally produced by the body. It helps support the production of hormones and essential nutrients that aid with digestion. However, excess production or intake of cholesterol can result in several health problems. And diet plays a key role in helping maintain the balance necessary to promote vital functions but not result in further complications. The following are the types of foods to avoid with high cholesterol.

Fatty foods

Remember, the body does need a certain amount of healthy fats for vital metabolic activities. However, processed, trans, and saturated fats are not the kind that one should consume regularly. Avoid fatty beef, lamb, pork, dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and cream made with full-fat milk, and even vegetable oils used for cooking. All these ingredients are loaded with trans and saturated fats, which trigger an imbalance in cholesterol levels. Further, one must not use commonly consumed cuts of meat that are already high in cholesterol, including red meats, liver, kidneys, sausage, and bacon. Any foods and beverages bought off the shelves in the supermarket are rich in such fats. These are the first foods to avoid with high cholesterol.

Eggs, seafood, and lean meats

Eggs are a great source of protein, but the yolk is rich in cholesterol. Also, while lean meats are healthier alternatives, some cuts are low in saturated fats but high in cholesterol compounds. These include offal, sweetbread, and tripe among some unusual cuts of meats that are considered as a delicacy in many cuisines. Popular seafood options like prawns, crabs, lobsters, octopus, cuttlefish, and even squid can trigger an imbalance in cholesterol levels due to regular consumption.

Fried and packaged foods

Any food that is deep-fried in vegetable oil significantly increases the risk of cholesterol. Junk food like fries, cheese balls, hamburgers, and all the rich condiments that go with these foods are high in calories. Note that the body can only process a finite number of calories. These calories contain trans fats that are left behind in the bloodstream leading to a buildup of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also commonly known as bad cholesterol. Also, any packaged products made with refined hydrogenated vegetable oils are foods to avoid with high cholesterol. Even using partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in day-to-day cooking introduces a steady stream of trans fat in one’s daily diet.

Desserts

Desserts are rich in sugar and made with processed dairy products. These include baked goods and confectionaries bought off the shelves, including cookies, cakes, pastries, and even chilled desserts like ice cream. They also contain a number of preservatives and additives to improve their shelf life. Frequent indulgence in sugary sweets increases the risk of complications associated with high cholesterol, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The consumption of such fats raises the risk of clogging the arteries that disrupts blood flow due to the buildup of bad cholesterol.