The Real Story Behind High Cholesterol Foods

Not all cholesterol is bad for us. The food we eat if rich in cholesterol can increase our cholesterol levels as all the cholesterol required by us is made by our own liver. So anything you eat on top of that, will only add to higher unhealthy cholesterol levels. Knowing high cholesterol foods and avoiding them is crucial.

While plant products are healthy, animal products are rich in saturated fat or the bad fat which has an adverse affect on your heart. Food containing polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat (the good fat) can help lower your bad cholesterol.

Food rich in the bad fat are everywhere and we know that the pastry you have in hand or the chocolate you had for snack is bad. This also includes greasy take always, processed meats and full fat dairy products.

Did you know that seafood such as crab, shrimp and sardines contain high cholesterol which should be avoided. Same goes with veal, egg yolks, turkey, coconut oil, palm oil, brain, goose, duck and liver.

Some of the favorites such as dimsims, meat mince, cream and all coconut recipes are unhealthy. At all times avoid food rich in saturated fat which can over work your liver to produce harmful LDL levels.

Its easy to get confused with high and low cholesterol food after so much of talk everywhere. Doctors advise that your daily dietary intake of cholesterol should not exceed 200mg for high cholesterol cases and 300mg for healthy people.

So where is the good cholesterol. They are also found all around you in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. If you cannot stay away from meat, substitute with fish which is rich in polyunsaturated fat.

So where is the healthy stuff? In soybean products, tofu, kidney beans, dried peas, garlic, spinach, tuna in water and fat free milk. Check the saturated and trans fat content on the packaging rather than the total fat content.

Try and snack on plain nuts such as peanuts, cashews, brazilnuts and hazelnuts. Order wholegrain bread at the cafe and buy lean meat at the supermarket. Take the first step and stop your arteries from clogging.

Try and watch to include nuts, legumes and cereals in your diet. Eat more of rice, peas and switch to the good old olive oil for your cooking. Of course maintain your weight and live an active life.

More on Good Cholesterol (HDL) and Why is High Cholesterol Bad?