Cholesterol is a waxy compound produced by the liver, and it can be obtained from food sources too. But, if the cholesterol level becomes too high, it may start depositing in your arteries and eventually choke them. Why? This condition makes it challenging for the blood to flow through arteries and veins. Sometimes, it can also lead to clot formation and cause a heart attack or stroke. So, check out these foods to avoid high cholesterol to lower your risk.
Fried food
Deep-fried snacks like French fries and chicken nuggets are foods to avoid with high cholesterol. They are not only loaded with calories, but also contain trans fats, which have adverse effects on those with cardiac ailments, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They also have high salt content, which can increase the risk of hypertension and stroke. Even if you crave fried products, try to prepare them at home with olive oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil is safe for the heart. After frying the potatoes or chicken fillets, drape them in a tissue paper to remove the excess oil. Never reuse the oil, as the oil breaks down whenever it comes in contact with heat, and becomes unsafe for consumption.
Desserts
Desserts like muffins, cookies, pastries, and ice-creams are also some foods to avoid high cholesterol. They contain a high amount of sugar and low-density lipoprotein. Studies reveal that a high quantity of sugar can reduce high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and increase the level of low-density cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Desserts are packed with empty calories as well, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. These two conditions ultimately increase the risk of heart diseases.
Egg yolks
Many high cholesterol patients become confused about whether they should eat or avoid eggs for better health. We know that eggs are rich in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, carotenoids, selenium, and choline. However, along with this, a medium-sized egg also contains approximately 186 mg of cholesterol, amounting to 62% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of cholesterol. And most of this cholesterol content is present in the yolk, while the albumin is rich in protein and almost fat-free. So, doctors recommend having the egg white rather than the yolk, if you have high cholesterol.
Processed meat
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausages are also not good for those with high cholesterol. You should especially avoid red meat that comes from beef, mutton, lamb, and pork. They contain a high level of saturated fats and can lead to heart ailments. Moreover, when they get processed, manufacturers add salt and preservatives to prevent the growth of microbes.
This can cause high blood pressure and affect vital organs as well.
Now that you are aware of the foods to avoid with high cholesterol, start eating healthy, and exercise regularly.