Here are the worst foods for cholesterol

If hypercholesterolemia is particularly widespread in our Western societies, it is largely linked to diet, indicates the American cardiologist, Dr. Elizabeth Klodas.

Bad cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

In the magazine Make It, it tells you which foods to avoid to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is vital reminds theInserm : “It is a molecule of the lipid family. It is essential to the composition of the membranes that surround our cells, participates in the formation of connections between our neurons and allows the synthesis of substances such as bile acids, vitamin D or even some of our hormones.”.

But it can be bad when it is present in excess. This is called LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein), which will end up damaging and clogging the vessels, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, all the disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Meat, sugar, bad fats: why they should be avoided

To regulate it, Dr. Elizabeth Klodas advises avoiding red meat. “This includes burgers, ribs, steaks, and pork chops. If you don’t want to completely cut out red meat, opt for small amounts of lean meat. And by small amounts, I mean a serving of less than 100 grams – and eat red meat no more than once a week.”

And watch out for processed red meat (like cold cuts) loaded with sodium and bad fat and classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Anything fried is also good for heart and brain health, according to the expert: “Frying foods usually increases the calorie count because saturated or trans fats and cholesterol are absorbed from the food in the process “, explains the cardiologist.

Finally, pastries, biscuits and cakes, especially industrial ones where the amount of fat and sugar is too high, should be avoided: “All these elements are the main culprits of hypercholesterolemia”, says Dr. Elizabeth Klodas.