Are Your Favorite Foods Good or Bad for Cholesterol?

Chips are often fried and full of unhealthy fats that can raise your bad cholesterol.

They also have a lot of salt, which isn’t good for your heart if you eat them often.

Tip: Choose baked chips with less salt to enjoy the crunch without hurting your cholesterol.

They can be, especially if they’re fried and full of salt. Some brands use oils that aren’t heart-friendly, and too much salt adds up. But not all tortilla chips are the same.

Tip: Eat tortilla chips with fresh salsa and choose baked versions for a heart-friendly snack.

Burgers from fast food places usually have a lot of saturated fat and salt.

That combo can raise your cholesterol and hurt your heart over time.

Tip: Make burgers at home with lean meat and healthy toppings to enjoy them without the guilt.

Popcorn on its own is fine. It’s whole grain, low in fat, and full of fiber. But the way you prepare it matters a lot.

If you drown it in butter or sugary coatings, it quickly becomes unhealthy.

Tip: Go for air-popped popcorn with light seasoning to keep it heart-smart and tasty.

Nope, potato chips don’t contain cholesterol—they’re made from plants.

But they’re often fried in unhealthy oils, which can raise your body’s own cholesterol.

Tip: Eat chips in small amounts, or try baked versions with less oil.

Coconut doesn’t have cholesterol, but it’s packed with saturated fat. Too much of it might raise your cholesterol levels over time.

Tip: Enjoy coconut in small amounts to keep your heart happy.

Jasmine rice doesn’t contain cholesterol because it’s a plant-based food.

However, it’s a refined white rice, which means it’s low in fiber and can raise blood sugar quickly.

That doesn’t help if you're trying to manage cholesterol.

Tip: Choose brown jasmine rice or mix it with vegetables to make it more heart-friendly.

Yes, raisins can be helpful for cholesterol.

They’re full of natural fiber and antioxidants that may lower bad cholesterol and support heart health. 

They’re sweet, but they don’t have added sugar if you buy plain ones.

Tip: Snack on a small handful of unsweetened raisins instead of candy for a healthier sweet fix.

Sushi can be good or bad, depending on what’s inside. Options with fish like salmon or tuna offer healthy fats that can help your heart.

But deep-fried rolls and creamy sauces add unhealthy fats and extra calories.

Tip: Choose simple rolls with fresh fish, veggies, and a little sauce for a heart-smart sushi meal.

Plain grits don’t have cholesterol, but they’re low in fiber and can raise blood sugar quickly.

Adding butter, cheese, or cream makes them worse for cholesterol. They’re fine in small portions if you skip the fatty extras.

Tip: Try topping grits with vegetables or olive oil instead of butter for a healthier choice.

Quinoa isn’t just trendy—it’s heart-smart. This little grain is loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol.

It’s a great swap for white rice or pasta.

Quinoa is also naturally free of cholesterol and has healthy fats.

Tip: Use quinoa in place of white rice or pasta to boost your heart health.

Pumpkin is a heart-healthy food.

It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that may help lower bad cholesterol and protect your heart.

Just avoid sugary pumpkin desserts.

Tip: Try roasted pumpkin or add canned pumpkin to soups and smoothies for a healthy boost.

Yes, canned tuna can be a smart choice. It’s low in saturated fat and has healthy fats that may help lower bad cholesterol.

Just watch out for added salt or oil in some versions.

Tip: Choose tuna packed in water and mix it with veggies instead of mayo for a heart-friendly meal.

Good news: guacamole has no cholesterol because it’s made from avocados, which come from plants.

Even better, avocados are packed with healthy fats that may help lower bad cholesterol.

Just don’t overdo it with salty chips or creamy mix-ins.

Tip: Scoop guacamole with veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers for a heart-friendly snack.

Yes, cheesecake is usually loaded with cholesterol.

It’s made with cream, eggs, and butter—all animal-based ingredients that raise bad cholesterol.

It might taste amazing, but it’s not kind to your heart.

Tip: Enjoy a small slice once in a while, and try fruit-based desserts for a healthier sweet fix.

Duck is richer and fattier than chicken, which means it’s also higher in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Eating it often may raise your cholesterol, especially if the skin is left on. But it’s okay in small amounts now and then.

Tip: Remove the skin and pair duck with veggies to make it a little lighter on your heart.

Yes, ham is usually high in cholesterol and also packed with salt. It’s a processed meat, which means it often has added fats and preservatives.

Eating too much ham can raise your risk of heart problems.

Tip: Save ham for special occasions, and go for lean, fresh meats more often.

French fries don’t contain cholesterol themselves, but they’re usually fried in unhealthy oils.

That can raise bad cholesterol levels over time, especially if you eat them often.

Add salt and large portions, and they’re a heart-health trap.

Tip: Bake your own fries at home with olive oil for a lighter version that still satisfies.

Some Chinese dishes can be high in cholesterol, especially if they’re fried or loaded with salty sauces and fatty meats.

But not all Chinese food is bad—there are lighter options, too.

It really depends on what you order.

Tip: Choose steamed veggies, brown rice, or stir-fried dishes with lean meat and skip the heavy sauces.

Pork chops can be high in cholesterol, especially if they’re thick, fatty, or cooked with butter and oil.

The cut and cooking method make a big difference.

Go for lean pork if you can, just don’t eat too much of it.

Tip: Trim the fat, grill instead of fry, and keep portions small for a heart-friendlier meal.

Yes, especially when they’re fried and covered in greasy or creamy sauces.

Chicken skin adds extra fat that can raise cholesterol, too. Even baked wings can be a problem if you eat a lot of them.

Tip: Try skinless, baked wings with a light rub or spice mix instead of deep-fried versions.

Eating a lot of red meat, especially fatty cuts, can raise your bad cholesterol over time.

It’s the saturated fat in red meat that’s the main issue.

Still, red meat isn’t all bad if you eat it in small amounts.

Tip: Choose lean cuts like sirloin or round, and try plant-based meals a few times a week.

Most cheese is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol—but some types are better than others.
Lower-fat options like mozzarella, feta, or cottage cheese are easier on your heart.

What about vegan ones?

Vegan cheeses are usually cholesterol-free since they’re made from plants, but some still have a lot of fat.

Portion size matters more than you think!

Tip: Pick small servings of lower-fat cheese and pair them with veggies or whole grains for a healthier snack.

Omega-3 doesn’t lower bad cholesterol (LDL) much, but it helps in other important ways.

It raises good cholesterol (HDL), which helps carry bad cholesterol away from your arteries.

It also lowers triglycerides, which are fats in your blood that can raise heart disease risk.

Tip: Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are top sources of omega-3 for heart and cholesterol health.