8 Worst Foods for High Cholesterol(And What to Eat Instead)

Avoid the worst foods for high cholesterol and learn what to eat instead to protect your heart and lower your LDL naturally.

What is cholesterol?

Did you know, about 94 million adult Americans have excessive cholesterol, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

The word “cholesterol” is well-known, and many individuals have heard that having high cholesterol can be harmful. However, it’s critical to comprehend the meaning of the term to fully appreciate the significance of good cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is necessary. Your body uses it as a vital component to create the vitamins, cells, and hormones that keep you alive and well.

The key to maintaining healthy cholesterol is consistent work. It’s a terrific start if you’re doing 80% of the right things 80% of the time.

Why is high cholesterol harmful?

Because it can lead to atherosclerosis, or plaque accumulation in the arteries, which narrows and hardens them, high cholesterol is bad. This lowers blood flow and raises the possibility of:

• Heart attack (if the heart’s blood supply is cut off)
• stroke (if the brain’s blood supply is cut off)
• Disease of the peripheral arteries (decreased blood supply to limbs)

LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is the most harmful kind and is primarily responsible for the development of plaque. A blood clot may form if a plaque bursts, causing an abrupt blockage. High cholesterol frequently stays undiagnosed until it causes major issues because it typically shows no symptoms. Healthy lifestyle choices and routine cholesterol testing are crucial because of this.

Are symptoms of high cholesterol present?

Usually, high cholesterol doesn’t have any obvious symptoms. Because you typically won’t know you have it unless you obtain a blood test, it’s frequently referred to as a “silent” condition. High cholesterol, however, can eventually cause major issues that may manifest as symptoms.

These typically have to do with the issues it produces, like: Potential Indications of High Cholesterol Complications:

• Pain in the chest (angina): caused by the heart receives less blood.

• Heart attack: When blood flow is obstructed by acholesterol clotl.

• Stroke: Due to stoppage of blood flow to the brain.

• Walking-related leg pain (claudication): If the legs’ arteries are impacted.

• Xanthomas: Subcutaneous fatty deposits, frequently found near tendons or eyes.

✅ When to Get Checked:

Since it doesn’t usually show symptoms, it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you:

• Are over 40
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Smoke or have high blood pressure
• Are you overweight or diabetic

What are the worst foods for high cholesterol?

If you’re managing high cholesterol, certain foods can significantly raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and overall heart disease risk. Here’s a breakdown of the worst offenders:

1. Trans fat
2. Saturated fat
3. Full-fat dairy products
4. Processed meats
5. Fried foods
6. Baked goods and sweets
7. Fast food
8. Excessive salt

What are the best foods to lower high cholesterol naturally?

To help lower high cholesterol naturally, it’s all about choosing heart-healthy foods that support your body’s ability to manage and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and boost HDL (good cholesterol). Here are some of the best option.

1. High-fiber food

• Oats & oat bran
• Beans (lentils, black beans, kidney beans)
• Apples, pears, berries
• Barley & whole grains

2.Healthy fat

• Avocados
• Nuts (especially almonds & walnuts)
• Olive oil

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Chia seeds & flaxseeds

Are eggs bad for cholesterol?

Not necessarily. Eggs do contain cholesterol (about 186 mg in a large egg, mostly in the yolk), but for most people, dietary cholesterol doesn’t have a major impact on blood cholesterol levels. The bigger culprits for raising LDL (“bad”) cholesterol are saturated and trans fats, not the cholesterol you eat.

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General Info on Cholesterol

• CDC – Cholesterol Facts
  https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm
• American Heart Association – What is Cholesterol?
  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
• Harvard Health – Understanding Cholesterol
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/cholesterol

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🥓 Foods to Avoid (Cholesterol & Heart Risk)

• Cleveland Clinic – Cholesterol and Diet
  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16447-cholesterol–diet
• Mayo Clinic – 10 Foods to Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192

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🥑 Foods That Lower Cholesterol

• Heart UK – Food & Cholesterol
  https://www.heartuk.org.uk/low-cholesterol-foods
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Cholesterol-Friendly Diet
  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/eating-for-your-heart

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🧪 When to Get Tested

• NHS – High Cholesterol Overview
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/