For decades, we’ve been told to avoid high-cholesterol foods like eggs, but that advice has since been debunked, and science has shifted accordingly. The real culprits? It’s saturated fats and trans fats all along. High cholesterol has been one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease. With that, proper control and avoidance should be in practice when consuming any of these 8 foods.
8. Butter
Almost everyone stores butter in their fridge. However, that’s a well-known source of cholesterol. Imagine that one tablespoon contains around 31mg of cholesterol, which is already 10% of your daily value. It’s not a lot, but it quickly adds up, especially when you consume a lot for baking and cooking. Control your portions and opt for ones with healthier fats like avocado oil or olive oil.
7. Fatty Meats
While we’re focused on minimizing saturated fat, don’t forget about the content of fatty meats. Imagine that a roasted chicken leg with skin contains 328mg of cholesterol, which is already 109% of your daily value. Other fatty meats, such as pork chops with fat and pork spare ribs, are also high in cholesterol. Opt for leaner cuts of meat and remove the skin from poultry.
6. Whipped Cream
That dollop of whipped cream on your hot chocolate drink is a bad idea. A single cup of whipped cream already contains 133 mg of cholesterol, which is 44% of your daily value. It’s the high fat content that contributes to the high cholesterol level. Enjoy whipped cream in moderation and opt for a lighter topping, such as cinnamon sprinkles or a few berries.
5. Processed Meats
Yup, we’re talking about bacon, sausages, and hot dogs that are high in sodium and saturated fat. They’re made from the fattiest cut of red meat, which contributes to the high cholesterol content. Just three slices of bacon will give you 36mg of cholesterol! Be smart with your choices so your heart will thank you.
4. Desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, let this be a warning. Desserts are high in sugar and calories, as well as cholesterol content. Just a half cup of chocolate mousse contains 283mg of cholesterol, which is 94% of your daily value. Other desserts, such as egg custard and cream-filled eclairs, are also high in calories. You’d have to thank the combination of sugar, butter, and cream, which is a perfect storm for high cholesterol.
3. Fast Food Breakfast
That drive-thru breakfast is doing more than energizing your day. Just one McDonald’s Big Breakfast packs a whopping 465mg of cholesterol, which is already 155% of your daily recommended intake. It doesn’t end there, as other breakfast options like egg and bacon biscuits are also loaded with cholesterol and saturated fats. Go for a home-cooked breakfast instead.
2. Calamari
Seafood is praised for its heart-healthy benefits, but it’s different for squid, also known as calamari. It features a 100-gram serving of squid, which contains 233mg of cholesterol. That’s higher than other popular seafood. While squid may have cholesterol-lowering properties, their high cholesterol is something you need to be aware of, so enjoy them in moderation.
1. Organ Meats
Yup, we’re talking about liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads, which are making a big comeback. However, they’re high in cholesterol. For instance, a 3-ounce lamb liver contains 419mg of cholesterol, which is 140% of your daily value. It’s true that they offer the benefits of vitamin A and iron, so consume them in moderation and be mindful of your cholesterol levels.