6 common high-cholesterol foods to avoid
As per CDC, almost 38% people in the country suffer from high cholesterol-related health problems. Stroke and heart diseases both are closely related to high cholesterol. Moreover, there are no major signs and symptoms of high cholesterol, making it important to be aware of one’s food choices and lead a healthy lifestyle. Certain foods increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol levels. So, make changes to your nutrition regime by avoiding these high-cholesterol foods.
Croutons
Croutons are loaded with bad cholesterol. Typically added to salads and soups, cubed, re-baked, or fried bread pieces can be dangerous for your health. The issue is that these are made from processed grains and have zero nutrition.
Croissants
Croissant is full of butter and flaky flour, both of which are high-cholesterol foods to avoid as these are detrimental to a healthy heart. Croissants are full of saturated fats and can increase your LDL cholesterol levels. While refined flours negatively impact good cholesterol levels, butter directly increases bad cholesterol.
Fried potatoes
French fries are a strict no-no for a healthy heart as these are the most common high-cholesterol foods. Fried potatoes are rich in trans and saturated fats, encouraging the build-up of bad cholesterol. Additionally, there is high sodium content that could further negatively impact the cardiovascular system.
Sugar
Another much-loved food that is high in cholesterol is sugar. It is present in almost all items that we regularly indulge in, such as cakes, cookies, soft drinks, sodas, and ice creams. However, foods filled with processed sugar can directly cause an increase in bad cholesterol and may lead to diabetes and heart problems in the long run.
Granola
The crunchy granola you love to have at breakfast is another food item that is high in saturated fats. Although granolas are made of whole oats, nuts, dried fruits, and seeds, these ingredients are mixed using sweeteners. This is where the problem starts as the sugar content enhances cholesterol levels.
Cheese burger
This is yet another high-cholesterol food to avoid. The cheese that goes into the burger is packed with saturated fats and salt. Be it grated cheese or a slice, both are equally bad for the health, especially when eaten out of proportion.
Apart from avoiding these high-cholesterol foods, leading an active lifestyle is good for your heart and is the ideal way to a fitter you.