'Healthy' Foods That Might Actually Worsen Your Cholesterol

25. Granola: The Fiber-Filled Snack with a Sugar Problem

Loose granola is often lauded for its oats, nuts, and seeds, but many store-bought varieties are a sugar and fat bomb. To make them crunchy and delicious, manufacturers use high amounts of sweeteners (like honey, maple syrup, or cane sugar) and unhealthy oils that are high in saturated fat. The result is a calorie-dense, low-fiber snack that can increase LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. For a genuinely heart-healthy granola, choose brands with minimal added sugar and whole-food ingredients, or make your own at home using oats, nuts, and a healthy oil like olive or avocado.

26. Dried Fruits: The Concentrated Sugar Snack

Dried fruits, often seen as a nutritious snack, can have a surprisingly negative impact on cholesterol levels. The drying process concentrates the fruit’s natural sugars, and many commercial brands add even more sugar. This concentrated sugar can rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin levels, prompting the liver to produce more triglycerides. With most of the fiber removed during processing, a small handful of dried fruit can quickly become a significant source of sugar with little to no satiety. A better choice is to eat a small amount of dried fruit alongside protein or healthy fat to help balance the impact.