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Cholesterol helps the body perform several important functions, including assisting with hormone creation and building cells. The liver creates cholesterol for the body to use, while a person can also eat foods containing the substance. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). When too much LDL cholesterol builds up in the blood, it can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A person can make diet changes to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. This article examines the relationship between dietary cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol levels. It also looks at how a person can lower their cholesterol by making dietary changes. Finally, it lists the foods people should eat and avoid to help lower cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol levels Share on PinterestSKC/StocksyHigh levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase a person’s risk of developing CVD. Although the liver creates cholesterol for the body to use, individuals can also find cholesterol in the foods they eat. This is called dietary cholesterol. According to a 2019 article, health experts previously believed an intake of high dietary cholesterol increased a person’s risk of developing CVDs. Until recently, public health recommendations, including those from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association (AHA), widely recommended limiting dietary cholesterol to 300 milligrams (mg) per day. However, recent evidence suggests that this is not the case. The AHA published a study in 2020 indicating that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 (DGA) removed the long-held recommendation to limit cholesterol to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Heart UK, a charity in the United Kingdom, notes that eating foods that contain cholesterol is unlikely to make a significant difference to a person’s cholesterol levels in the blood. To help reduce a person’s blood cholesterol levels, they need to cut down on foods that contain saturated fat. Saturated fat affects how the liver processes cholesterol, which can increase LDL levels in the blood. How can a person lower their cholesterol with diet Dietary cholesterol only has a small effect on a person’s levels of blood cholesterol. However, some health organizations still recommend limiting dietary cholesterol to no more than 300 mg of cholesterol daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that many foods high in dietary cholesterol, such as red meat and other animal-derived foods, also tend to be high in saturated fat. This may contribute to the previous confusion about the impact of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels. However, the AHA, the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the DGA do not offer any specific guidance regarding dietary cholesterol. However, they recommend that a person eats a diet that includes:fruitsvegetablesvegetable oilswhole grainsseedslean protein sourceslow fat or fat free dairy productsnuts The CDC has similar recommendations. It suggests a person eat more foods with high amounts of fiber, such as beans, oats, and vegetables. The agency also recommends eating foods with high levels of unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts or seeds. Learn more about 15 foods that lower cholesterol. Foods to avoid Both the CDC and AHA recommend that a person limit foods high in saturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats include:red meatsfull fat dairy foodsbacon, sausage, and other processed meatsbaked goods with large amounts of butter, such as biscuits and cakecured meats Are there any specific diets that a person can follow The AHA states that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean-style diet are generally low in cholesterol. DASH diet The DASH diet aims to lower a person’s blood pressure and reduces LDL cholesterol. To follow this eating plan, people should aim to eat:vegetableswhole grainsfruitsfishpoultrybeansnutsseedsvegetable oilsfat free or low fat dairy products Individuals should also avoid eating:fatty meatssugary beveragessweetssodiumfull fat dairy Learn more about the DASH diet here. Mediterranean style diet A 2022 article notes that the Mediterranean diet is the term that describes the traditional dietary habits of those living in the Mediterranean region. The AHA states that the Mediterranean diet can help prevent stroke and heart disease. It can also reduce the following risk factors for stroke and heart disease, including:obesityhigh cholesterolhigh blood pressurediabetes According to a 2019 review, this eating plan can also improve a person’s cardiovascular health. Those following the Mediterranean diet should aim to eat:green, leafy vegetablesa variety of legumesnuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, and almondsfresh fruitswhole grainsolive oilfish Learn more about the Mediterranean diet. Is making dietary changes enough to lower LDL cholesterol levels The CDC notes that some people could use dietary changes to help with high cholesterol. However, they also state that a person’s diet alone may not be enough to lower cholesterol levels. In addition to making dietary changes, individuals should take the following steps to help lower LDL cholesterol levels:avoiding or quitting smoking, if applicablegetting lipid profiles regularly, at least every 5 yearstaking part in regular exercise Some people may also require medications. Those who may need medication for cholesterol include those with:diabetesCVDfamilial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that can cause a person to have high levels of LDL cholesterol Summary A person could help reduce their cholesterol levels with dietary changes. However, they may also need to make additional changes, such as increasing the amount they exercise and quitting smoking, if applicable. However, some people, such as those living with diabetes or CVD, may not be able to control their cholesterol with diet and lifestyle changes alone. They may require medication to help better manage their condition. Last medically reviewed on July 25, 2022CholesterolNutrition / Diet 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Carson, J. A. S., et al. (2020). Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: A science advisory from the American Heart Association. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743Cholesterol myths and facts. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/myths_facts.htmDASH eating plan. (2021). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-planHDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. (2020). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglyceridesHigh cholesterol food. (n.d.). https://www.heartuk.org.uk/low-cholesterol-foods/foods-that-contain-cholesterolMartínez-González, M. A., et al. (2019). The Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular health. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313348Rishor-Olney, C. R., et al. (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557733/Saturated fat. (2021). https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fatsWhat is the Mediterranean diet? (2020). https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-dietZampelas, A., et al. (2019). New insights into cholesterol functions: A friend of an enemy?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682969/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT, Nutrition, Personal Training — By Jenna Fletcher on July 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs shrimp high in cholesterol?Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, LD Doctors once believed that shrimp is bad for heart health due to the high levels of cholesterol it contains. However, it now seems that shrimp can…READ MOREIs rice bad for cholesterol? Some studies suggest that eating excess amounts of white rice can contribute to high cholesterol levels. 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