# What foods should be avoided or limited to lower cholesterol?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol
Language: en
Category: nutrition
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.144Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.144Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol

To lower blood cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, it is essential to focus on avoiding or limiting certain foods rich in saturated fats and dietary cholesterol. These foods contribute significantly to raising cholesterol levels in the arteries, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

## Saturated Fats: The Primary Culprit

Saturated fats are considered among the worst types of fats because they raise LDL cholesterol levels more than any other dietary component. Saturated fat should make up less than 7% of your total daily calories [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>). For example, if you consume 2000 calories per day, your saturated fat intake should not exceed 13 grams [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

### Examples of foods rich in saturated fats:

- **Meat:** Some types of red meat and processed meats.

- **Dairy products:** Full-fat dairy products such as butter, whole milk, and cheese [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>). Butter, in particular, is high in saturated fat [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S2>).

- **Baked goods and sweets:** Chocolate, cakes, and pastries.

- **Fried and processed foods:** Fast food and convenience foods [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

- **Specific oils:** Palm oil, coconut oil, and solid vegetable fats (stick margarine) [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S2>).

## Dietary Cholesterol: Important Restrictions

If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, you should consume no more than 200 mg of cholesterol per day [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>). Cholesterol is found in animal-sourced foods.

### Examples of foods rich in dietary cholesterol:

- **Organ meats:** Liver and other organs.

- **Egg yolks:** Contain a high percentage of cholesterol.

- **Seafood:** Shrimp [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

- **Dairy products:** Full-fat dairy products [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

## Trans Fats

Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats should be avoided, as they are rich in saturated fats and trans fatty acids that are harmful to health [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S2>). These can be found in certain types of stick margarine and vegetable oils used for frying [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S2>).

## Practical Tips for Limiting These Foods

To reduce your intake of foods that are harmful to cholesterol levels, you can follow these steps:

- **Read food labels:** Check the amount of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol in food products [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

- **Choose healthy alternatives:** Replace butter and stick margarine with unsaturated liquid vegetable oils such as olive oil or canola oil [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S2>). Choose lean meats and nuts as healthy alternatives [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>).

- **Limit processed foods:** Reduce your consumption of fried foods, baked goods, and fast food.

- **Cook at home:** This gives you control over the ingredients used and helps reduce harmful fats.

Remember that dietary changes are part of a healthy lifestyle that also includes weight management and regular physical activity [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#source-S1>). For broader information on beneficial foods, you can visit [Cholesterol-lowering diet: A guide to beneficial and harmful foods (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/low-cholesterol-diet-food-guide>).

## When should you consult a doctor?

If you suffer from high cholesterol, dietary changes are an important first step. However, you may need to consult your doctor to determine if cholesterol-lowering medication or additional lifestyle adjustments are necessary. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of changes and ensure healthy management of your cholesterol levels.

## Medical references

- [How to Lower Cholesterol with Diet](<https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterolwithdiet.html>)

- [Butter, margarine, and cooking oils](<https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000095.htm>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-foods-to-avoid-or-limit-to-lower-cholesterol#answer