'Healthy' Foods That Might Actually Worsen Your Cholesterol

53. Fat-Free Salad Dressing: The Sugar and Sodium Swap

You might reach for a fat-free salad dressing thinking it’s a smart choice for your heart, but you're likely trading healthy fats for something much worse. To compensate for the flavor and texture lost when fat is removed, manufacturers often pump these dressings full of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and sodium. This combination can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and elevated triglycerides—all factors that worsen your cholesterol profile. A truly heart-healthy salad is one dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from extra-virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats that can actually help lower your LDL cholesterol.

54. Rice: The Cholesterol-Raising Carbohydrate

While brown rice contains fiber, most people eat white rice, which is highly refined and has a high glycemic index. This means it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar, which triggers your body to produce more insulin. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance and an increase in triglycerides. It also doesn’t provide the satiety of whole grains, which can lead to overeating. To keep your heart healthy, swap white rice for fiber-rich alternatives like quinoa, barley, or brown rice.