Foods to Avoid to Control High Cholesterol

Patients with high cholesterol usually are usually advised to consume a low-fat diet under the direction of a physician. Even those who have normal cholesterol levels may want to consume lower-fat foods to avoid elevated cholesterol. High cholesterol puts patients at risk for heart disease and stroke. Some foods can raise cholesterol levels and should be limited or avoided. Does this Spark an idea?

Animal Protein

Foods high in saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels. Diets to lower cholesterol levels should limit the amount of animal protein such as beef, pork and chicken. The diet does not have to eliminate animal proteins, but these foods should be restricted. Some animal proteins, such as organ meat, shellfish, duck and goose meat, are higher in fat than others and should be avoided on a low cholesterol diet.

Eggs

Egg yolks contain high levels of saturated fat. Egg whites without the yolk can be an acceptable substitute for whole eggs.

Butter and Oils

Butter should be limited or avoided on a low cholesterol diet. There are substitutes for butter that have a lower amount of saturated fat. Cooking with peanut oil or canola oil instead of butter, for instance, is a better choice for patients with high cholesterol levels. Cooking oils to avoid are those that contain saturated fat. For a cholesterol-lowering diet, the oils should contain mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats.

Deep Fried Foods

Deep fried foods can contain a large amount of saturated fats. Broiled, baked or grilled foods are better choices on a low cholesterol diet. Most fast foods contain saturated fat and should be eliminated from a diet low in cholesterol and fat.

Cream

Cream, ice cream and foods containing dairy cream have high levels of saturated fat. Cream-based soups that contain real dairy cream should be avoided on a low cholesterol diet as well.