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Cholesterol

What foods should I avoid with high cholesterol?

Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats such as fatty and processed meats, full-fat dairy, fried food, pastries and many packaged snacks.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Saturated fat in the diet raises LDL cholesterol the most, so the main foods to cut back on are fatty cuts of meat, sausages and processed meats, butter, ghee, lard, full-fat cheese and cream, deep-fried foods, and baked goods like cakes, biscuits and pastries. Trans fats, found in some processed and fried foods, are especially harmful and best avoided.

Replacing these with unsaturated fats (olive and rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish), more soluble fibre (oats, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables) and wholegrains can lower cholesterol meaningfully.

Dietary cholesterol itself (for example in eggs) matters less for most people than saturated fat. A doctor or dietitian can tailor advice to your situation, especially if you have diabetes or have had a heart event, and can tell you whether diet alone is enough or whether medication is also needed.

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