Quite a few health conditions can be triggered, worsen, or managed by the food you eat, one being high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood that helps with many bodily functions; however, an excess can be harmful. There have been many experiments and articles on the link between high cholesterol and foods. Listed below are some eating habits that you should avoid if you have the condition.

1. Not having sufficient fiber
The link between high cholesterol and foods rich in fiber is an important one. Fiber helps get rid of excess cholesterol from the blood. If you have high cholesterol, it is recommended that you have at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day. Eating foods like oats, apples, potatoes, and beans would be especially beneficial as these are high in soluble fiber.

2. Eating packaged foods
Packaged foods are filled with hydrogenated oils and fats to extend their shelf life. These fats and oils can cause a spike in low-density lipoprotein, better known as LDL cholesterol. It is also called “bad” cholesterol as it accumulates or sticks to the walls of blood vessels, increasing your risk of health conditions like heart attack and stroke. Packaged foods and snacks are also high in salt and sugar and have little nutritional value. Hence, when discussing high cholesterol and foods to avoid, these should be on the top of your list.

3. Restricting fats
Most patients stay away from all kinds of fats when diagnosed with high cholesterol. However, there are particular good fats that your body needs. You should swap foods high in saturated and trans fats (bacon, beef, pork, processed meat, etc.) with those containing poly and monounsaturated fats (salmon, vegetable oils, some nuts and seeds, etc.). Your doctor or a nutritionist can help you with this change.

4. Limiting carbs
Like fats, individuals tend to eliminate carbs from their meals when suffering from high cholesterol. However, this makes it harder to manage the problem as some items which contain carbs, such as whole grains, legumes, and beans, are also high in fiber. Knowing which carbs can help lower LDL cholesterol levels would be beneficial.

5. Drinking alcohol
Many studies suggest that drinking alcohol in moderation, one drink a day for women and two for men, can improve overall health. However, crossing the limit can increase triglyceride levels and your risk of heart disease. Moreover, it can make you susceptible to several other health conditions.

You can speak to a doctor or nutritionist to know more about the connection between high cholesterol and foods. They can guide you on which foods to avoid and eat to manage your cholesterol levels and improve the symptoms.