8 Foods High in Bad
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a term that is often associated with the functioning of the heart. A waxy material that is created by the liver is also a substance that is often found in certain foods. While cholesterol is essential for efficient functioning of the body, the cells in the body and for creating vitamin D and various other hormones in the body, excess of it in the blood stream could result in certain diseases of the heart and the circulatory functioning of the body. The bloodstream carries the cholesterol in the body and is also attached to certain proteins found in the body known as lipoproteins. It is also important to know that not all cholesterol is bad. There are two main forms of cholesterols found in the body known as HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). HDL is known as the good cholesterol in the body as it performs a protective function in the body. Anyone can be at a high risk of cholesterol irrespective of the age and gender. However, certain foods and lifestyle habits increase the risks associated with accumulated bad cholesterol in the body. Here are certain foods associated with bad cholesterol in the diet: 1. Margarine: It is a well known fact that margarine, a form of butter is known to increase not only cholesterol but also levels of bad cholesterol in the body. The biggest disadvantage that comes from using margarine is high levels of trans fatty acid contents which increase the risk of heart
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diseases and high cholesterol. Not only that but margarine also reduces the levels of good cholesterol in the body. Hamburger: Every ingredient in your burger contributes to a higher amount of bad cholesterol in the body. The fried patty, mayonese, butter and the extra sugar contained in the burger buns all result in higher levels of cholesterol in the body. The preservatives and the bacon that goes into making your favourite hamburger at the popular fast food joints is also a big contributor of the harmful bad cholesterol in the body. Egg Yolk: While egg is considered to be one of the healthiest ingredients for those on a diet, the egg yolk or the yellow could actually be something you can avoid. Egg whites are considered to be a healthy source of protein, while the egg yolk could contribute to increased levels of cholesterol in the body. French Fries: Potato chips and french fries are one of the worst foods to consume for those who are trying to keep the unhealthy cholesterol away. French fries are often fried in unhealthy fats and highly hydrogenated oils which eventually causes an increase in the bad cholesterol and reduction in the good cholesterol. Cookies: Cookies may seem to be a tasty choice to curb that hunger, however it is one of the worst foods that could easily shoot up your cholesterol levels in the body. From the excessive amounts of sugar to the high quantities of butter used for baking these tasty wonders, there is nothing healthy about cookies as far as your cholesterol and heart health is concerned. Fried Chicken: Although chicken is known to be one of the best forms of lean meats that weight watchers and dieters swear by, the cooking technique makes all the difference. Dark poultry meat such as fried chicken has high levels of unhealthy fats and bad cholesterol which can increase the amount of bad cholesterol in your body and could lead to several health issues. Ice cream: When your body craves a sweet or dessert, it is easier to head out to the scoop of ice cream instead of a bowl of fresh fruits. However, it has been a researched fact that one single scoop of ice cream contains more amount of fats than even a serving of hamburger and far more cholesterol than what the doughnuts also contain. For those who are trying to bring down their levels of bad cholesterol, one of the best ways to do so is to avoid ice creams completely and instead switch to fruits and yogurts for a dessert. Macaroni and cheese: While as a dish macaroni and cheese may be easy to cook up, but the amount of calories and cholesterol it contains could be extremely harmful for you. Apart from the excess calories that the dish is loaded up with, it is also extremely high in sodium levels which can cause several hazardous effects to the body including the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, high levels of bad cholesterol and other cardiac issues.