Many people consider cholesterol to be bad for health, but that’s not true! There are two types of cholesterol: “good” HDL cholesterol, and “bad” LDL cholesterol. For optimal health, an individual must have higher levels of HDL, but foods rich in saturated and trans fats raise LDL and increase the risk of heart health issues. So, here are a few foods to avoid for lowering “bad” cholesterol.

1. Fried foods
It’s crucial to avoid all kinds of deep-fried foods, from French fries to fried chicken and onion rings, for lowering blood cholesterol levels. These foods are loaded with calories and unhealthy trans fats. Trans fats cause a surge in “bad” cholesterol levels and can also bring down “good” cholesterol levels. Additionally, they have been linked to the development of serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, so steer clear of them to boost and maintain your overall health.

2. Full-fat dairy products
Full-fat dairy like milk, butter, and cream are among the top sources of saturated fats. Experts maintain that it’s important to avoid these foods for lowering “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood. You can swap out full-fat butter for nutritious nut butters and replace full-fat milk and cheese with low-fat or fat-free options. That said, you can enjoy a cup of full-fat plain yogurt in a day. Not everyone with high cholesterol has a problem with full-fat dairy, so speak with a doctor before making any changes to your diet.

3. Eggs
The debate on whether eggs are bad for people with high cholesterol is ongoing. A study has discovered a strong link between egg consumption and the development of heart disease as eggs have high cholesterol content. In contrast, some studies say eggs raise good cholesterol levels and are safe to eat for people with high cholesterol. You can leave out the yolk and have the egg white if you want to have eggs without the cholesterol.

4. Red and organ meats
Fatty cuts of red meats like beef, lamb, pork, veal, and lamb are extremely high in saturated fats and cholesterol. The American Heart Association says that red meat consumption can raise “bad” cholesterol levels and trigger or worsen heart disease. A small serving of organs meats like beef liver or lamb kidney contains more than the recommended amounts of daily cholesterol intake. So, you must limit, if not eliminate these foods from your diet if you have high cholesterol. Instead, look for healthy alternatives like fish and lean meats.

5. Desserts
Sugary treats like cakes, ice creams, and cookies are among the top foods to avoid for lowering blood cholesterol levels. These foods are high in cholesterol and loaded with calories and unhealthy fats. Plus, they lack essential nutrients for mental and physical health. Several studies have also associated excessive sugar consumption with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even cognitive decline.