Cholesterol refers to the fatty and sticky substance that is found in your blood. It is categorized into two main types: HDL or good cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol. High cholesterol primarily refers to increased deposits of LDL cholesterol in your blood and blood transportation system. High cholesterol is bad for your health and can lead to various extreme complications, such as stroke or heart attack. Hence, we must work toward maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in our bodies.

High cholesterol and foods are correlated. Hence, it is vital to consume a variety of wholesome foods in your everyday meal. Always try to limit sugary, fatty, and salty meals and snacks to reduce bad cholesterol levels in your body. Avoid consumption of foods that contains saturated fats and trans-fats. Include foods in your meals that contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as olive or canola oil, nuts, seeds, fish, and avocado. Read more to know the eating habits that high cholesterol patients should always avoid.

1. Trans fats
Consumption of trans fat is bad for cholesterol. Most packaged foods such as pastries, cookies, crackers, and a host of margarine come with trans-fat. Hence, always try to limit the consumption of such foods. While buying any packaged or processed foods, make it a point to read the nutritional facts, type, and quality of fats available on the product. A host of other food items, filled with trans fats include biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, microwave popcorn, cream-filled candy, doughnuts, fried fast foods, and frozen pizza.

2. Salt
Consumption of excessive salt is always harmful for your overall health. It increases blood pressure. Besides, too much sodium is particularly bad for your cholesterol. You will be surprised to know that most processed and canned food contains a higher amount of sodium. Further, canned soup, salty snack foods, bread, rolls, cold cuts, cured meats, pizza, some chicken, and some fast-food sandwiches come with salt quantities. This is the same with your frozen foods too. For a healthier cholesterol level, limit the consumption of such foods.

3. Sugar
Yes, like you, each of us loves mouthwatering, sugary, delicious sweets as well foods. Consumption of sugar is important for your overall health. But overeating too much can be harmful. It can lead to a host of health issues. Some of these include weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and a higher level of bad cholesterol. Hence, it’s crucial to track your daily sugar intake for healthier living and overall wellness. Some of the usual suspects you need to stay away from are soda, sweet tea, candy, cakes, cookies, and ice cream.

In general, if we think about high cholesterol and foods, we usually talk about these three types of foods. If you have a higher cholesterol level in the bloodstream, it’s suggested to speak to your doctor or nutritionist about more ways to improve your food habits.