Cholesterol
Learn to make healthier food choices by using the Nutrition Facts table on prepackaged foods. Cholesterol is found in the Nutrition Facts table.
Did you know?
Cholesterol only comes from animal-based foods, such as cheese, eggs and meat. It is not found in plant-based foods, such as fruit, grains and vegetables.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat made by the body. It is also found in some foods.
Foods that are high in saturated and trans fats increase your blood cholesterol level. This may increase your risk of developing heart disease. Foods that are high in cholesterol may also increase blood cholesterol level for some people.
Where can you find cholesterol?
Cholesterol is found in many foods:
- Dairy products such as cheese and ice cream
- Egg yolks
- Fish and seafood such as sardines and shrimp
- Meat such as beef, lamb, liver, pork, poultry, veal
How can you make a healthier choice?
- Try choosing foods with mostly healthy fats instead of those with mostly saturated fat.
- Saturated and trans fats are nutrients you want less of.
Helpful hints at the grocery store
Use the nutrition facts table to choose and compare foods.
- Choose lower fat milk
- Use oils or soft margarine instead of butter
- Choose fish, skinless poultry, or lean cuts of meat
- Choose foods that are lower in saturated and trans fats
- Choose low sodium canned beans, peas and lentils
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