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What Kinds of Foods Raise Cholesterol?

Cholesterol comes in two forms. LDL cholesterol is what is considered the "bad" cholesterol that can cause serious health problems. HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that can actually lower LDL levels and keep your body healthy and strong. It is important to know the foods that raise each type of cholesterol.

  1. Non-dairy Creamers

    • According to Cherie Calbom and Maureen Keane, authors of "Juicing For Life," non-dairy coffee creamers can contribute to high LDL cholesterol. This may be a shock because most people who drink non-dairy creamers are doing so to be more health conscious. The truth is that non-dairy creamers contain high amounts of sweeteners and coconut oil. A better choice would be soy milk.

    Saturated Fats

    • Avoid a diet high in saturated fats. Saturated fats come from animal meat and should make up less than 10 percent of your overall fat intake. To lower the risk of overloading on saturated fats, avoid fast food restaurants and other sources of fried foods. You should increase your intake of vegetables and only cook with vegetable oils.

    Salt

    • Lower your intake of salt, and replace the salt you still consume with sea salt. Overusing sodium will raise LDL cholesterol. Use different herbs and spices, such as basil and oregano, to flavor food. Garlic is a great choice for enhancing the flavor in your food, and it is related to lower levels of "bad" cholesterol.

    Refined Foods

    • Refined foods are a popular contributor to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid foods with the word "white" in front of them, such as "white bread" or "white sugar." Use natural sweeteners, such as brown sugar, and consume more whole grains.

    Soluble Fiber

    • Soluble fiber raises HDL or "good" cholesterol levels. Foods, such as fruits, vegetables and legumes, are wonderful sources of soluble fiber. These foods not only raise the "good" cholesterol, but they lower the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol.

    Soy Products

    • Soy products, such as tofu, soybeans, soy milk and other meat-flavored products made from soy, help to rise HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol in the body. It is recommended to consume about two servings of soy per day for healthy cholesterol levels.

    Whole Grains

    • Whole grains increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. It is recommended to consume whole grain breads and cereals. Whole grain oats are wonderful sources to keep healthy levels of cholesterol. Brown rice and whole grain pastas are other food sources that are also beneficial.

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