HealthAliciousNess.com

Top 10 Foods Highest in Cholesterol (To Limit or Avoid)

Cholesterol is a steroid lipid (fat) found in the blood of all animals and is necessary for proper functioning of our cell membranes and production of hormones. While there can be negative health benefits associated with low cholesterol, cholesterol deficiency is rare. Our bodies already manufacture all the cholesterol we need, so it is not necessary to consume more. Excessive consumption of cholesterol has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is only found in animal food products, and thus, vegans are likely to have lower cholesterol than non-vegans. The current percent daily value (DV) for cholesterol is 300mg. Below is a list of high cholesterol foods. It is recommended that you buy a Cholesterol Test Kit, so you can monitor your cholesterol levels at home and see which diet works best for you. To lower your cholesterol, read the article on cholesterol lowering foods.

#1: Egg Yolk
The yolks of eggs have the most cholesterol of any food with 1234mg per 100 gram serving or 411% of the DV. A single egg yolk will provide 210mg (70% DV) of cholesterol, while a whole egg provides slightly more with 212mg (71% DV). Thus all the cholesterol in eggs is found in their yolks.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Caviar (Fish Roe)
A common spread for breads in Northern and Eastern Europe, caviar is packed with cholesterol. 100 grams provides 588mg (196% DV), that is 94mg (31% DV) per tablespoon.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Liver, Pate, Foie Gras
Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and therefore liver in cuisine contains a lot of cholesterol. The liver from most any meat will contain 564mg of cholesterol per 100 grams or 188% of the DV. Foie Gras (and most pâtés) contain 255mg (85% DV) per 100g serving,or 20mg (7% DV) per tablespoon.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#4: Butter
Common in cakes, cookies, on bread, and vegetables, butter is everywhere. 100 grams of butter packs 215mg (72% DV) of cholesterol, one stick has more with 243mg (81% DV), and one tablespoon contains 30mg (10% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Shrimp (Prawns, Camarones)
100 grams of shrimp will contain 195mg (65% DV) of cholesterol. A single large shrimp contains 11mg (4% DV), and an ounce of shrimp will provide around 55mg (18% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#6: Fast Foods (Breakfasts)
Fast foods, the breakfasts in particular, are packed with cholesterol. A ham, egg, and cheese biscuit will provide 172mg (57% DV) per 100g serving, or 246mg (82% DV) of cholesterol per biscuit. An egg and sausage biscuit has even more with 261mg (87% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Oil Packed Fish
Although thought to be good for your heart, the oil of fish, and oil packed fish, do contain quite a bit of cholesterol. Oil packed Atlantic Sardines carry 142mg (47% DV) of cholesterol per 100g. That is 131mg (44% DV) per can, and 17mg (6% DV) in a single sardine.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#8: Cheese
A vegetarian source of protein, and also a good source of calcium, cheese is a tasty addition to most any dish. Port de Salut contains the most cholesterol with 123mg (41% DV) per 100 gram serving. That is 21mg (7% DV) per one inch cube. Other cheeses high in cholesterol include: Fontina (39% DV), Gouda (38%), Cream Cheese (37% DV), Gruyere (37%), and Cheddar (35% DV).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Processed Meats (Sausage, Lamb, Duck)
The amount of cholesterol in any processed meat depends on the cut used, and the amount of fat added during processing. Liver sausage and bratwurst will contain around 158mg (50% DV) of cholesterol per 100 gram serving. That is 63mg (21% DV) per link. In terms of meats, lamb and duck will contain the most cholesterol all things being equal.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#10: Shellfish (Oysters, Clams, and Mussels)
Shellfish can be eaten raw, baked, steamed, fried, or made into chowder. Wild Eastern Oysters contain the most cholesterol with 105mg (35% DV) per 100g serving. That is 30mg (10% DV) per ounce, or 7mg (3% DV) per oyster.
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

Other Cholesterol Rich Foods (Which Should be Avoided)

Squid (Calamari)	260mg (87% DV) per 100 gram serving	1179mg (395% DV) per pound (453 grams)	221mg (74% DV) in a 3oz serving (85 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Squid (Calamari)
Fast Food Biscuits, Burgers, and Sandwiches*	235mg (78% DV) per 100 gram serving	353mg (118% DV) per item (150 grams)		Click to see complete nutrition facts for Fast Food Egg and Bacon Biscuit
Cream Puffs (Eclair)	196mg (65% DV) per 100 gram serving	129mg (43% DV) per cream puff (66 grams)	94mg (31% DV) in an eclair (48 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Cream Puffs and Eclairs
Liver Sausage (Liverwurst)*	158mg (53% DV) per 100 gram serving	28mg (9% DV) per slice (18 grams)	44mg (15% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Liver Sausage (Liverwurst)
Crab Cakes*	150mg (50% DV) per 100 gram serving	180mg (60% DV) in two crab cakes (120 grams)	90mg (30% DV) per crab cake (60 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Crab Cakes (Blue Crab)
Chocolate Mousse*	140mg (47% DV) per 100 gram serving	566mg (188% DV) per cup (404 grams)	283mg (94% DV) in a half-cup (202 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Chocolate Mousse
Heavy Whipping Cream	137mg (46% DV) per 100 gram serving	326mg (109% DV) per cup cream (~2 cups whipped) (238 grams)	164mg (55% DV) per cup whipped (120 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Heavy Whipping Cream
Snack and Candy Bars*	136mg (45% DV) per 100 gram serving	38mg (13% DV) in a 1 ounce bar (28 grams)		Click to see complete nutrition facts for Snack and Candy Bars
Crayfish	133mg (44% DV) per 100 gram serving	113mg (38% DV) in a 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	38mg (13% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Wild Caught Crayfish
Beef Stick Snacks*	133mg (44% DV) per 100 gram serving	27mg (9% DV) per stick (20 grams)	37mg (12% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Smoked Beef Stick Snacks
Whelk	130mg (43% DV) per 100 gram serving	111mg (37% DV) in a 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	37mg (12% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Whelk
Blood Sausage	120mg (40% DV) per 100 gram serving	30mg (10% DV) per slice (25 grams)		Click to see complete nutrition facts for Blood Sausage
Pork Ribs**	118mg (39% DV) per 100 gram serving	258mg (86% DV) per pound (219 grams)	100mg (33% DV) in a 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Roasted Pork Back-ribs
Souffle	118mg (39% DV) per 100 gram serving	320mg (106% DV) in two cups (272 grams)	160mg (53% DV) per cup (136 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Spinach Souffle
Cookies, Cakes, Pies, and Brownies*	117mg (39% DV) per 100 gram serving	6mg (2% DV) per item (5 grams)	33mg (11% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Butter Cookies
Veal**	113mg (38% DV) per 100 gram serving	292mg (97% DV) per pound (258 grams)	96mg (32% DV) in a 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Roasted Veal Shoulder
Bacon	113mg (38% DV) per 100 gram serving	36mg (12% DV) in 4 slices (32 grams)	9mg (3% DV) per slice (8 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Pan Fried Bacon
Fried Chicken (esp. Fast Foods)**	112mg (37% DV) per 100 gram serving	166mg (55% DV) in two pieces (148 grams)	83mg (27% DV) per piece (74 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Breaded and Fried Chicken, Dark Meat (Leg or Thigh)
Pepperoni (Beef, Pork, and Turkey)*	105mg (35% DV) per 100 gram serving	2mg (1% DV) per slice (2 grams)	29mg (10% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Pepperoni
Toffee	104mg (35% DV) per 100 gram serving	48mg (16% DV) in 4 pieces (48 grams)	12mg (4% DV) per piece (12 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Toffee
Salami*	100mg (33% DV) per 100 gram serving	27mg (9% DV) in 3 slices (27 grams)	28mg (9% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Dry (or Hard) Salami
Octopus	96mg (32% DV) per 100 gram serving	82mg (27% DV) in a 3 ounce serving (85 grams)	27mg (9% DV) per ounce (28 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Octopus
Ice Cream	92mg (31% DV) per 100 gram serving	196mg (66% DV) per cup (214 grams)	98mg (33% DV) in a half-cup (107 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Vanilla Ice Cream
Whole Milk (3.25% Milkfat)	10mg (3% DV) per 100 gram serving	24mg (8% DV) per cup (244 grams)	3mg (1% DV) in a fluid ounce (31 grams)	Click to see complete nutrition facts for Whole Milk

*Amount of cholesterol may vary greatly between products. Be sure to check nutrition labels for the exact amount of cholesterol in each individual product.
**Amount of cholesterol varies greatly between cuts. Ask for low-fat lean cuts which will greatly reduce the amount of cholesterol. For chicken and turkey white meat has less cholesterol and fat than dark cuts such as the leg and thigh.

High Risk Groups who need to limit or eliminate Cholesterol Consumption

Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol - Regulation of cholesterol blood levels are hereditary and it is advisable to find out if relatives have high cholesterol levels.
Older Adults - Cholesterol levels rise with age, particularly in post-menopausal women.
Over weight Individuals - Being over-weight increases risk of heart-disease and tends to colerate with high cholesterol levels.
People with Low Physical Activity Levels - Excersize is an effective way to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDLs) and raise good cholesterol levels (HDLs). People who are not physically active are at risk for high cholesterol levels.
Individuals with high blood pressure - High blood pressure in combination with high cholesterol levels greatly increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
Smokers - Individuals who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of heart disease and should avoid high cholesterol foods.

Buy Cholesterol Test Kits from Amazon.com

You do not have to wait for your next doctors appointment to get your cholesterol numbers. You can buy a Cholesterol Test Kit to use at home. This saves both time and money, and also gives you faster feedback to know how your lifestyle choices are affecting your cholesterol levels. When you find a diet that works well for you, come back and comment to share your findings with other readers.

<- Top 10 Foods Highest in Saturated Fat

Top 10 Cholesterol Lowering Foods ->

Comments.

Name:	Joanne
Subject:	*Hormones*
	Cholesterol is needed to make hormones, so not all of it is bad. It is especially needed if one has hormonal problems, which are most commonly found in women.
	Posted on 2011-05-24 09:17:17

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Hormones*
	Hi Joanne, thanks for your comment. You are right that cholesterol is not all bad. Even though our bodies typically create adequate amounts of cholesterol some people may be required to consume cholesterol. Further, consumption of some cholesterol may not be bad among people who do not have high cholesterol levels. The percent daily values (DV) are posted in this article as a guideline.
	Posted on 2011-05-24 21:13:10

Name:	Jonathan
Location:	Washington DC
Subject:	*Additional Cholesterol*
	For the large majority of people, you should not consume cholesterol. The body produces its own cholesterol, so eating animal products (cholesterol is only found in animal products) is not a good idea.
	Posted on 2011-11-09 12:58:07

Name:	David Powelson
Location:	Eureka, CA
Subject:	*Cholesterol*
	The connection between cholesterol levels and heart attack risk are entirely specious. What is true is that cholesterol is a precursor for estrogen and testosterone. The differential ability of our bodies to produce cholesterol is a big reason for physical difference. And I am sure cholesterol-lowering diets assist in the production of obesity, to the extent they work. If you want to make an animal fat, after all, you remove its sex organs. A lot like lowering the cholesterol in human diets. Good job of turning small problems into big ones, vegetarians.
	Posted on 2011-12-03 23:26:26

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Cholesterol*
	Interesting thoughts, however, people who have been diagnosed with the clincal condition of Hypercholesterolemia might be inclined to disagree, particularly if they are taking cholesterol lowering medications they would rather not take. While you could assert that a diet higher in sugary carbohydrates and lower in fats could increase the onset of type II diabetes, it would not be accurate to assert that a diet higher in oatmeal, oat bran, almonds, flax seeds, and other low glycemic, cholesterol lowering foods, would have the same effect. Can you cite any studies or articles that state otherwise?
	Posted on 2011-12-04 07:22:59

Name:	Phil
Location:	Manchester
Subject:	*RE: Cholesterol*
	David, you are incorrect. The link between cholesterol levels and risk of heart attack is well established. What is not well established, however, is the link between cholesterol intake and blood cholesterol levels. Dietary cholesterol is almost entirely irrelevant when it comes to blood cholesterol levels. The vast majority of blood cholesterol is produced within our own bodies. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats increases production of cholesterol, and thus the blood level. For example, (beef) liver is high in cholesterol but rather low in fat (1 gram of saturated fat per 100 grams of liver). Eating large amounts of liver in a low fat diet should not increase your blood cholesterol significantly, despite the high cholesterol content.
	Posted on 2011-12-06 09:59:55

Name:	Sam Gifford
Location:	Scotland
Subject:	*How to Lower my Cholesterol?*
	So what do I need to adjust in my diet to lower my cholesterol level?
	Posted on 2011-12-08 07:31:05

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: How to Lower my Cholesterol?*
	Hi Sam, thanks for your question. There are numerous studies to suggest that changes in diet can affect your cholesterol level. See the article on Cholesterol Lowering Foods to get examples of things you can eat that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, and by what percent they are likely to lower them. While factors like genetics, exercise, drinking, blood pressure, and smoking can all play a role in cholesterol levels, it is still best to try change your diet. The best thing you can do is to substitute animal fats, like butter, with monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, and peanut oil. To take a detailed look at studies which followed diet and cholesterol levels see these articles: How much do Almonds Lower Cholesterol? How much does Green Tea Lower Cholesterol? Hope that helps!
	Posted on 2011-12-08 23:06:17

Name:	Juliet
Location:	UK
Subject:	*Dietary Cholesterol*
	The cholesterol that you eat in your diet has negligible impact upon your blood cholesterol! If you want to reduce your serum cholesterol, you should concentrate on reducing the saturated fat that you consume, rather than reducing cholesterol intake. The saturated fat intake has a far greater impact on your blood cholesterol levels. I feel this article is quite misleading as the majority of people with high cholesterol do not have high cholesterol intake in their diets! I am a medical student.
	Posted on 2011-12-30 06:10:47

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Dietary Cholesterol*
	Hi Juliet, thanks for your comment. It is true that simply avoiding high cholesterol foods is not enough to lower blood cholesterol, since blood cholesterol also depends on factors such as genetics and refined carbohydrate consumption. However, while some studies suggest that the cholesterol we eat may not have a very big impact on blood cholesterol, there are still other recent studies (1997) which say reducing intake of dietary cholesterol can decrease blood cholesterol by as much as 10%. Further, every food high in cholesterol is also high in saturated fats! If you suggest that people should limit intake of saturated fats instead of cholesterol they still need to limit or avoid the foods listed in this article. For people who argue that we all need some cholesterol, it should be noted that it takes very little consumption to meet or exceed the 300mg percent daily value (DV). When you consume cholesterol it is absorbed by your body, which people with high cholesterol, or on cholesterol lowering medications, do not want. These foods should still be limited or avoided in order to lower blood cholesterol.
	Posted on 2012-01-30 04:49:11

Name:	Carl
Location:	India
Subject:	*Acknowledgement*
	Thank you for the posts. I was able to defend my term paper because of some information you gave.
	Posted on 2012-02-21 00:54:36

Name:	Jov
Location:	Philippines
Subject:	*Fiber Affecting Cholesterol*
	A diet high in fiber is probably a diet low in cholesterol. A modified balanced diet with high fiber content is effected by including more fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains in meal preparation. It helps reduce the amount of fats and sugar in the bloodstream. Fiber can only be taken from plants, thus meat does not produce it.
	Posted on 2012-02-21 07:16:24

Name:	Elizabeth
Location:	usa
Subject:	*What other options when medication and excersise don't work?*
	I am on CRESTOR, and execise and dieting alone is not doing the job. I have had high cholesterol since I was a child, and now I'm 41 yrs old. Although it runs in the fam, I am sure I can be cholesterol free. Can emotional stress affect everything I'm doing?
	Posted on 2012-02-24 00:51:19

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: What other options when medication and excersise don't work?*
	Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your comment. It sounds like you are battling high cholesterol from genetic causes. There are a few studies from the late 50s which support a connection to stress increasing blood cholesterol levels. Interestingly, medical students had high cholesterol before a test than other times in the semester. Another study in the 90s suggests that people doing mentally stressful activities, like math, also had high cholesterol levels than people at rest. As such, you could try yoga, or other stress relieving activities to see if it lowers your cholesterol. Also, consider trying some new cholesterol lowering foods, if you have not already.
	Posted on 2012-02-24 14:06:01

Name:	Anonymous
Location:	Midwest
Subject:	*Too Low Cholesterol*
	Hi. Thank you for your wonderful site. I clicked to find foods to avoid, so I could eat them. My cholesterol is 161, Tri 50, HDL 84, LDL 67, non HDL 77. Do you have an opinion either way re studies that have shown too low cholesterol is a factor in depression? I read if the number goes below 160ish, it's detrimental. I'm 50, a vegetarian 34 years. Also, do you think cholesterol levels have anything to do with a body not retaining potassium, or making adequate ACTH or cortisol? It's a stretch, probably, but maybe not if our systems are all interconnected. Thank you for your time! Cheers!
	Posted on 2012-03-17 15:08:05

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Too Low Cholesterol*
	Thanks for your comment. The studies are mixed on the relationship of low cholesterol to depression. Chances are it does not have a strong effect. A level of 161mg/dL is not very low, with a normal range being between 150-199. In regards to potassium, ACTH, and cortisol it is unlikely that cholesterol levels have a very strong effect.
	Posted on 2012-03-17 15:19:19

Name:	Anonymous
Location:	Midwest
Subject:	*Vegetarians and Cholesterol*
	Hi - thanks for answering. Did a bit more google- this is an interesting tidbit- 161 is average for vegetarians- "'American Heart Association, “while the average cholesterol level in the U.S. is 210, the average vegetarian’s cholesterol level is 161 and the average vegan’s cholesterol level is 133. People with cholesterol levels below 150 are virtually assured of never having a heart attack, while nearly one-third of meat-eaters will die from one.”' and '"In this study ‘low cholesterol’ was defined as less than 160mg/dL (4.16 mmol/L). This level has been noted several times in the medical literature as a level below which suicide is more likely.'" All I know is I bought eggs, googled how to boil one, ate 2 in 1 sitting, then slept a full night's sleep for the first time in- literally- years. =) Less than 200 mg/dl - desirable 200 - 240 mg/dl - increased risk Above 240 mg/dl - significant risk
	Posted on 2012-03-20 15:51:07

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Vegetarian Cholesterol*
	Thanks for your reply, it would appear that the average cholesterol for vegans came from this 1999 study of a rural Chinese population. This John Robbin's Page for his Food Revolution book gives more references. Hope things keep going well for you with the new diet.
	Posted on 2012-03-20 16:14:32

Name:	Serene
Location:	Malaysia
Subject:	*Fish Egg Cholesterol*
	Do fish eggs contain cholesterol especially grouper or red snapper eggs (beside caviar)?
	Posted on 2012-04-30 04:28:02

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Fish Egg Cholesterol*
	Hi Serene, thanks for your quesiton. The average cholesterol found in fish eggs from a variety of species is 52mg (17% DV) per tablespoon, and it would be highly unlikely to find any fish egg or any kind of egg that does not contain cholesterol. Further, note that the average species of fish does have less than the 94mg (31% DV) per tablespoon found in cavaiar. Nutrition facts for fish eggs (roe) and caviar.
	Posted on 2012-05-08 02:45:15

Name:	Chris
Location:	Halifax, NS Canada
Subject:	*Natural ways to lower cholesterol*
	I was diagnosed today with high cholesterol. I am 39, I workout regularly & eat pretty healthy for the most part. I'm not a big meat eater; however I do like cheese! My father died of a heart attack at 39, & several other family members have also been diagnosed over the years. My Dr wanted to prescribe Crestor or Lipitor, but I REFUSE to be on medication, especially if the side effect is liver inflammation!! I don't believe this is necessary, and I will be seeking advice from a Naturopath, which my Dr thinks is great. In the meantime I have read that Artichoke Extract is extremely useful & beneficial for lowering cholesterol. What is your take on this?
	Posted on 2012-05-09 21:53:24

Name:	HealthAliciousNess
Subject:	*RE: Natural ways to lower cholesterol*
	Hi Chris, thanks for your question and sorry to hear of your diagnosis. This review study found that artichoke leaf extract can help lower cholesterol, particularly if your levels are above 230mg/dL. You can also check the article on cholesterol lowering foods: olive oil, bran, almonds, etc..It is great that you want to try lower your levels naturally, many people have succeeded at this by going vegan for a period of time, which means no meat, dairy, or eggs. However, medications have their place, if you cannot lower your levels to below 180mg/dL in 6 months, you may want to consider taking a reduced level of meds in combination with your lifestyle changes. Also, due to your family history of heart attack, you may also want to avoid high sodium foods in an attempt to lower your blood pressure. This is only assuming your blood pressure is high. Hope those notes help and good luck!
	Posted on 2012-05-09 22:13:36