What Foods to Avoid in Order to Lower Cholesterol

Lowering your cholesterol is important to protecting your heart, preventing a heart attack and living a longer life. A large part of lowering your cholesterol has to do with diet. After all, you are what you eat. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting your intake of cholesterol to fewer than 300 milligrams (mg) per day.

Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as salami, hot dogs, pepperoni and cold cuts, can contain large amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. If you eat processed meats regularly on pizzas, sandwiches and as snacks, then your cholesterol can shoot up. Instead, try cuts of fresh, lean meats for sandwiches, main dishes or as pizza toppings.

Organ Meats

Liver and other organ meats are high in cholesterol and should be avoided as much as possible, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Instead of eating these unhealthy meats, try lean cuts of chicken, beef and turkey for sandwiches and main dishes.

Butter and Margarine

This probably comes as no surprise, but butter and margarine can contain a lot of cholesterol-raising saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. What may be surprising is that you can use certain kinds of margarines to lower your bad cholesterol. The Cleveland Clinic suggests you look for tubs that contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils and zero trans fat on their labels.

Dairy

Dairy is needed for strong bones and teeth, but the high fat content can raise your cholesterol. To find a healthy balance, finder lower fat versions of the dairy products you love. For example, instead of drinking whole milk, gradually switch to drinking only skim milk. Make the transition easier by drinking 2 percent milk, then switching to 1 percent milk. Finally, you will switch to skim milk.