Worst Foods for Cholesterol

While some cholesterol is necessary for basic bodily functions, high cholesterol levels in the body are known to increase the risk of heart disease. Your body produces 75 percent of the blood cholesterol in your body. The food you eat is responsible for the other 25 percent. Failure to watch the cholesterol you take in can and will lead to heart problems.

Cholesterol Basics

Cholesterol is crucial to the creation of cell membranes and particular types of hormones, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Cholesterol is "a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream." Those who eat foods high in cholesterol will find that their cholesterol levels rise.

Cholesterol and the Heart

Cholesterol can build up in the blood stream. Too much cholesterol can lead to both heart attack and stroke. The cholesterol in the blood stream can actually lead to blockages in the blood vessels. The AHA notes that a high level of blood cholesterol in the body is known as Hypercholesterolemia. This condition can lead to serious medical problems, and can even cause death.

Meats

The AHA notes that most types of meat have approximately 70 mg of cholesterol per serving (with one serving listed as 3 ounces). The skin on poultry has a large amount of cholesterol. Most of the organs for animals, including the liver, kidneys, and brains, are high in cholesterol. Duck and goose are high in cholesterol as well.

Dairy

Dairy products are known for their cholesterol levels. One egg has 200 mg of cholesterol. This is over 50 percent of the recommended daily amount of cholesterol. One cup of milk has 30 mg of cholesterol. The fat that is often found in dairy products is the cause of the higher cholesterol levels.

Seafood

If you want seafood, avoid shrimp and crawfish. They have high amounts of cholesterol. Most types of fish oils and fish extracts have high levels of cholesterol. Fish themselves can also be high in fat and cholesterol.

Alternatives

Dairy products that are low-fat often have a much lower cholesterol count. The AHA recommends using "choice" and "select" grades of beef, as they tend to be more lean than other selections of beef. Using vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms in place of meets can eliminate the cholesterol content of a specific recipe.