Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our body that settles in the arteries. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL or low-density lipoprotein and HDL or high-density lipoprotein. Out of the two, LDL is bad, while HDL is good as it helps in excreting excess cholesterol from the body. Here are some foods that you should exclude from your nutritional regime to maintain good cholesterol health for a healthy life.

Fried foods
All fried foods are known to have trans fat, which can be harmful to your health and also increase the risk of getting heart disease. The consumption of fried foods has also been linked to increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Foods like deep-fried meats and cheese sticks should be avoided due to their high cholesterol content.

Fast food
Consuming too much fast food has been linked with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, including heart illness, diabetes, and even obesity. It is observed that those who consume fast food very often are known to have irregular sugar levels, higher levels of inflammation, and visible belly fat. Even with exercise, it is important to consume a nutritious meal instead of fried and fast food.

Desserts
Having a sweet tooth has some disadvantages, including risking your cholesterol levels. Ice creams, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods are high in processed sugar and loaded with unhealthy fats and calories. An increase in consumption of these can lead to a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, cognitive decline, and heart diseases.

Processed meat
Look out for foods like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs, as they are known to be high in cholesterol and should be limited. Apart from being a threat to the heart, consuming a lot of processed meat is also known to increase the risk of getting colon cancer. In fact, a study also suggested that eating processed meat daily increases the risk of getting heart disease by 42%.

You may substitute your fast food with foods that have high-fiber content, omega 3s, and other healthy nutrients. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight by exercising along with a nutritious regimen and cutting back on unhealthy habits. Speak to your doctor and get a do and don’ts chart for food.