What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is present in your body. It is also present in animal products like meat, eggs and dairy. Cholesterol is important because it has an important role to play in the production of hormones, vitamin D and the bile. It is an essential component of every cell in your body. It is necessary because it gives cell membranes strength and flexibility.

The liver produces the cholesterol necessary for function of your body. It can also get into your body through the consumption of animal products. Cholesterol is transported by particles known as lipoproteins and in your body you will find both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein HDL). LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol, and HDL is termed as good cholesterol. LDL is bad for you because it results in plaque build-up in arteries. On the other hand, HDL helps in excreting excess cholesterol from the body.

Foods with cholesterol

There are foods that are high in cholesterol, but not all that are high in cholesterol should be avoided. There are some foods even though they are high in cholesterol, they are healthy and you should eat them. On the other hand, there are some foods with high cholesterol levels but they are dangerous for you.

Let's find out what type of foods you should avoid if you want to lower cholesterol levels.

Fried foods

You need to avoid the deep fried foods which may include deep fried meats and cheese sticks. They contain high levels of cholesterol and then not good for you. They contain lots of calories and may also contain trans fats, all of which can increase the risk of heart disease besides causing other health related issues. If you consume more fried foods, that can increase risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Fast food

Another food that you should avoid if you want to keep your cholesterol levels low is fast food. It is a major risk factor for different chronic diseases including heart disease, obesity and diabetes. If you consume fast food frequently, you're likely to have higher cholesterol levels besides having more belly fat, problematic blood sugar regulation and high levels of inflammation. Try to cook more meals at home to avoid processed and fast foods.

Desserts

Cookies, ice cream, cakes, pastries and other sweets are unhealthy foods and they generally contain high levels of cholesterol. That is why, you need to avoid such foods if you want to keep your cholesterol levels low. Such food items also include lots of sugar, unhealthy fats and calories and that is why it is also better for you to avoid them. They will not only result in weight gain over time but will also deteriorate your health over time.

Processed meats

If you want to keep your cholesterol levels low, you will need to stop consuming processed meats. Such meats include sausages, bacon and hot dogs. If you regularly consume them or consume them in high quantities, they will increase the risk of heart disease and certain cancers like colon cancer. A scientific study found that each additional 50 g serving processed meat per day is associated with a 42% higher risk of heart disease.

References 1. High Cholesterol
2. Cholesterol
3. High Blood Cholesterol