What Foods Contain Cholesterol?

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance found in the bloodstream. While a certain level of cholesterol is necessary for certain bodily functions, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a primary risk factor for heart disease.

Where Cholesterol Comes From

Cholesterol comes from one of two sources. A certain amount of cholesterol is manufactured by the body, and the rest is absorbed from foods.

Cholesterol And Diet

According to the American Heart Association, the body produces about 1000 mg of cholesterol a day, with any additional amount taken in through dietary consumption. Typically, foods that are high in saturated fat are also high in cholesterol.

Animal Products

All foods that are either made from an animal or contain animal byproducts have cholesterol. This includes poultry, beef, pork, seafood, fish and shellfish.

Animal Byproducts

Animal byproducts are also a significant source of cholesterol. Foods such as eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products should be eaten in moderation or avoided entirely by those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels.

Man-made Products

Certain man-made products such as margarine contain trans-fats. While trans-fats are not cholesterol, according to the AHA, consuming foods that contain trans-fats has been shown to significantly raise cholesterol levels.

Daily Limits

The AHA recommends that dietary intake of cholesterol be limited to a maximum of 300 milligrams per day. The recommendation is even lower for those with heart disease (200 milligrams daily).