'Healthy' Foods That Might Actually Worsen Your Cholesterol

37. Restaurant and Takeaway Meals: The Hidden Saturated Fat Trap

While your article covers fast food, many restaurant meals and seemingly healthy takeout options can be a stealthy source of saturated and trans fats. Chefs often use large amounts of butter, cream, and cheap vegetable oils to enhance flavor, and these fats are a direct driver of high LDL cholesterol. Even dishes that appear healthy, like a large salad with a creamy dressing, can be a hidden trap. The best way to navigate this is to ask for sauces and dressings on the side, choose grilled or steamed options, and be mindful of your portion size.

38. Red Meat: The Over-Portioned Saturated Fat Problem

While lean cuts of red meat can be a good source of protein, the standard American portion size is often too large, leading to an overconsumption of saturated fat. Many popular cuts, like ribeye steak or ground beef, are high in saturated fat, which directly raises LDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting red meat consumption to a few times a week. For a heart-healthy alternative, opt for lean cuts, choose grass-fed beef (which is lower in saturated fat), or swap red meat for plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas.