Foods That Cause Cholesterol
Because high cholesterol is closely linked to heart disease, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important to overall health. One of the most effective means for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is through smart dietary choices. By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain healthy levels of both LDL and HDL cholesterol and avoid complications related to elevated cholesterol.
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What is cholesterol?
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Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance found in the blood stream. At the appropriate level, it is fundamental to healthy cell function, membrane formation and hormone function. However, when cholesterol is elevated, it can build up as plaque on cell walls and inhibit healthy blood flow.
Saturated Fat
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One of the leading contributors to high cholesterol is foods that are high in saturated fats, or trans fatty acids. Foods high in saturated fat include, but are not limited to, bacon, oils, butter, lard and fried foods. To avoid saturated fats, start by checking nutritional labels for saturated fat and decrease the amount of fried food you consume.
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Meat
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Meats that are high in cholesterol usually contain the word "prime" or have a high amount of white fat. Meats that have a lot of marbling, or fatty channels running through the grain, are also high in cholesterol. Meat products with more than 3g of fat per ounce are generally high in cholesterol as well. Typically, goose or duck, sausage, processed meats such as ham, and organ meats are the highest in cholesterol.
Dairy Products
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Another major contributor to high cholesterol is dairy products, particularly eggs and whole milk products. This includes foods such as ice cream, cream cheese, custards, heavy creams and processed cheeses. The best way to avoid high cholesterol dairy products is to choose low fat options or those made with 1 percent milk.
High HDL cholesterol
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While LDL cholesterol is meant to be low, having a high level of HDL cholesterol is ideal. High levels of HDL cholesterol can be attained by consuming foods that are high in fiber or omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, and whole grain foods.
Cholesterol Test
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A cholesterol test, also knows as a fasting lipoprotein profile, is used to measure the levels of cholesterol in the blood system and by default a person's cardiac risk. Depending upon the level of HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in your blood, a patient can be categorized as either high, moderately high, or desirable risk level.
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