Foods That Are Bad for Cholesterol Levels

If it's fried in grease or derived from an animal, the odds are significant that the cholesterol content of a particular morsel is high. Foods that are bad for cholesterol start with unhealthy "bad" fats of the saturated or trans variety.

Significance

• A certain amount of cholesterol is healthy and necessary. In fact, the body produces the amount it actually needs.

  "It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes, some hormones and is needed for other functions," according to The American Heart Association. "But a high level of cholesterol in the blood --- hypercholesterolemia --- is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease."

  The problem begins when we consume too much of it. Since nearly all excess cholesterol is derived from the fat of animals, it stands to reason that minimizing meat, dairy and other foods cooked with animal fat is crucial.

Fat

• Any product label that displays saturated or trans fat should be avoided. This commonly includes solid fat products like margarine, butter, shortening and cooking oils. The better option is to purchase lower-fat varieties made of canola or olive oil that contain primarily monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat.

  Avoid full fat cheeses. Opt instead for low-fat varieties or soy-based options.

  Chips, crackers, cookies, and other snacks are regularly produced with unhealthy fats. Even though a product touts itself as "reduced-fat" or some other marketing term, the cholesterol content may still be excessive. "Don't rely on packages that are labeled "trans fat-free," says The Mayo Clinic. "In the United States, if a food contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, it can be labeled "trans fat-free."

Meat

• Red meat is the most problematic meat source when it comes to cholesterol content. Bacon, sausage, ribs, marbled meats, egg yolks, cold cuts, hot dogs, canned meats, and organ meats (like liver) all contain large levels of cholesterol. While it's important to maintain appropriate intake of protein, healthier options exist among both animal and alternative products.

  All fat should be trimmed away from any red meat and poultry skinned. Meats labeled as "loin" or "round" are lower in fat. Baking, broiling or grilling is always a better option than frying. Soy products such as veggie burgers or veggie hot dogs are excellent options for individuals who wish to eliminate cholesterol from their diet but still wish to enjoy similar tasting alternatives.

Fish

• Shellfish contains excessive cholesterol levels, but other forms of seafood can actually be helpful in the effort to lower cholesterol. "The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week," according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These types of fish contain a substance known as omega-3 fatty acids that actually help to lower blood cholesterol levels.