Bacon cholesterol: Does it raise cholesterol levels? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Bacon cholesterol and its impact on healthMedically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Zawn Villines on July 24, 2022A slice of uncooked bacon contains 18.5 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol. However, while researchers used to say that cholesterol from food directly raised cholesterol levels in the blood, they now believe the relationship is more complicated. The above nutritional information comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dietary cholesterol does not directly raise cholesterol levels in the blood. Instead, experts believe that saturated fat may be a more important factor. High cholesterol foods, including bacon, are usually also high in saturated fat. For most people, it is safe to eat a variety of foods in moderation. But eating lots of bacon and other high fat, high sodium foods increases the risk of heart disease. Read on to learn more about bacon cholesterol and its role in blood cholesterol. How much cholesterol is in bacon Share on PinterestALICIA BOCK/StocksyAccording to the USDA, a 28-gram (g) serving of raw bacon contains about 18.5 mg of cholesterol. The exact amount depends on the brand, the amount a person eats, and how a person prepares the bacon. For example, cooking bacon in butter or oil will typically increase the cholesterol content. Does dietary cholesterol raise blood cholesterol Previously, scientists thought that eating dietary cholesterol in food resulted in higher blood cholesterol levels. Newer research suggests this is not the case. According to a 2022 paper, dietary cholesterol does not significantly raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Its precise influence on blood cholesterol levels, if any, remains the subject of scientific debate. However, saturated fat does raise LDL cholesterol levels. The saturated fat in bacon can raise cholesterol even if its cholesterol content does not. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that no more than 6–7% of calories come from saturated fat. For a person consuming 2,000 calories per day, this is equivalent to 120 calories, or around 13 g of saturated fat. Bacon contains about 3.53 g of saturated fat per slice. This means that, for many adults, the amount of saturated fat in two slices of bacon would contribute significantly to the recommended daily limit. Other health concerns about bacon In addition to its saturated fat content, there are several other ways bacon may impact cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health:Sodium: Bacon is high in sodium. High levels of sodium in the diet can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.Nitrites: Inorganic nitrites are a type of preservative that many companies use in pork products, including ham, sausages, and bacon. A 2019 review also shows an association between high consumption of nitrites and gastric cancer.Calories: Although bacon typically comes in thin slices, it is calorie dense, containing 110 calories per uncooked slice. It is important to be aware of this when determining a serving size. Can bacon be a part of a heart-healthy diet In moderation, most foods can be a part of a heart-healthy diet. However, as bacon contains a high amount of saturated fat and sodium, people should limit their intake. People with no health conditions should consider eating bacon occasionally and in small quantities. For example, they can put shredded bacon in a sandwich or salad to add flavor. Grilling bacon with no additional cooking oils also reduces the amount of fat per serving. Additionally, people may wish to look for nitrite-free bacon or choose nitrite-free alternatives. For example, some traditionally cured hams do not contain nitrites. Otherwise, it is best to only exceed the daily recommendations for saturated fat occasionally. Doing so regularly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. People who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or who are at risk of cardiovascular disease may need to avoid bacon entirely. A person should speak with a doctor or dietitian for more advice. What else raises LDL cholesterol In the diet, high amounts of both saturated fat and trans fats raise LDL cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are present in foods such as:red meathigh fat dairy products, such as cream and butterbaked goods, such as cakes and pastriescertain oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil Having low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can also raise LDL cholesterol. Unlike LDL, HDL cholesterol is beneficial, and not having enough raises the risk for heart disease. Things that can contribute to low HDL cholesterol levels include:smokingoverweight and obesity, particularly when a person has excess weight around their stomachinsulin resistancecertain medications, such as beta-blockers, androgens, and progestogenssome genetic conditions Learn how to lower cholesterol levels here. Summary Bacon is high in cholesterol and saturated fat. While dietary cholesterol may not raise blood cholesterol levels, saturated fat can. There are also other concerns with eating bacon. It is high in sodium, calorie-dense, and often contains nitrite preservatives. Research has found links between these preservatives and cancer. People with no health conditions or who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease may wish to enjoy bacon in moderation on occasion. However, anyone who is concerned about their cholesterol levels should consult a doctor or dietitian. Last medically reviewed on July 24, 2022CholesterolCardiovascular / CardiologyNutrition / Diet 8 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/full/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743Cholesterol myths and facts. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/myths_facts.htmHuff, T., et al. (2022). Physiology, cholesterol.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470561Low HDL cholesterol. (n.d.).https://www.heartuk.org.uk/genetic-conditions/low-hdl-cholesterol-Pork, cured, bacon, unprepared. (2019).https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168277/nutrientsSaturated fat. (2021).https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fatsSodium. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/sodium.htmZhang, F-X., et al. (2019). Association between nitrite and nitrate intake and risk of gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6420797FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Zawn Villines on July 24, 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 CoverageFoods high in cholesterol: What to know Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check. Learn which foods to avoid and which to prioritize to maintain healthy…READ MORE15 foods that lower cholesterolMedically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT A person's diet can play a key role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Discover 15 foods that can help, learn what to avoid, and find some…READ MOREWhich drinks can help lower or control cholesterol levels?Medically reviewed by Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN There are many types of drinks that can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Find out more about these and other ways of reducing cholesterol…READ MORE