People generally have an idea of foods they consider cholesterol-heavy: ultra-processed, extra-flavorful options and ones that take a lot of \u201csizzle\u201d to create. But many foods that raise cholesterol content may go unnoticed, causing problems for people with risk factors or those who want to craft a healthier diet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very nuanced aspect of nutrition science,\u201d said Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional biologist and author of the book \u201cThis is Your Brain on Food.\u201d She added that healthy foods that contain cholesterol, including shrimp and salmon, should still be included in a person’s whole food diet. The food matrix \u2013 what else a person is eating \u2013 very much matters, she said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are two key types<\/a> of cholesterol to focus on: \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol, which is known as LDL, builds up in the walls of the blood vessels, raising the risk of health problems like heart disease and stroke. The “good” cholesterol, HDL, serves as a cleanup crew, transporting cholesterol from blood and tissues and returning it to the kidneys. The higher LDL levels are, the worse for the body, while higher HDL levels, which you can get from eating foods like legumes, avocados and almonds, often yield better benefits.<\/p>\n Experts say moderation is key, rather than avoiding all high-cholesterol foods.<\/p>\n What surprising foods raise cholesterol?<\/p>\n Here are some foods to watch out for, as they could raise “bad” cholesterol levels or lower “good” ones.<\/p>\n Unfiltered, pressed coffee.<\/strong> Cafestol, a natural compound in coffee beans, is known as a highly potent<\/a> cholesterol-raising agent. Filters normally trap these compounds, but going without it leaves you vulnerable. In addition, large amounts of diterpenes, an oily substance in coffee beans usually removed by a filter, can also raise<\/a> \u201cbad\u201d LDL cholesterol, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tropical oils<\/strong>. Palm oil can be found in many foods, like granola, protein bars and cereal. Like coconut oil, which is often marketed as healthy or natural, its saturated fat content is high, and the American Heart Association advises against<\/a> using coconut oil and limiting palm oil, both of which can contribute to LDL cholesterol.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pasta, white rice and white bread. <\/strong>These refined carbohydrates<\/a> raise triglycerides levels, which leads to higher LDL and lower HDL levels in the body .<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Energy bars and protein bars.<\/strong> While these items may give you a boost, many bars are also heavily processed, high in sugar and saturated fats, including tropical oils and butter. Bars with<\/a> high fiber, like L\u00e4rabars, Nature Valley Protein bars or Navitas Power Snacks are generally preferable.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Soda<\/strong>. It’s known for its high sugary content, but soda is also a major contributor to high cholesterol levels. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found<\/a> sugary beverage drinkers had a 53% chance of developing cholesterol-causing triglycerides and a 98% higher chance of developing low HDL, the “good” cholesterol.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n