'Healthy' Foods That Might Actually Worsen Your Cholesterol

46. Protein Bars: A Candy Bar in Disguise

While marketed as a convenient, high-protein snack for the health-conscious, many protein bars are essentially candy bars in disguise. They're often loaded with cheap fillers, added sugars (like corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup), and processed oils to improve taste and texture. This combination creates a metabolic nightmare: the high sugar content can spike blood glucose and contribute to an increase in triglycerides, while the unhealthy fats can raise LDL cholesterol. Instead of relying on a highly-processed bar, consider a whole-food snack like an apple with a handful of almonds or a hard-boiled egg for sustained energy without the hidden risks.

48. Frozen French Fries and Hash Browns: The Trans Fat Trap

Frozen potato products, like french fries, tater tots, and hash browns, are a classic example of a seemingly harmless side dish that can wreck your cholesterol profile. To achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture, they are often pre-fried in trans fat or other hydrogenated oils before being frozen. Trans fats are the most dangerous type of fat for your heart because they not only raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol but also actively lower your HDL (good) cholesterol. Even if you finish them in your oven, you're still consuming a significant amount of these artery-clogging fats. For a healthier alternative, make your own baked fries from fresh potatoes and a heart-healthy oil.