20 "Bad" Foods That Actually Lower Your Cholesterol and Protect Your Heart

Embracing a Balanced Approach to Cholesterol

Letting go of long-held fears about cholesterol-rich foods can feel both freeing and a bit unsettling. But as we learn more about how the body uses cholesterol, and how balanced diets nourish us in countless ways, a more generous approach to nutrition emerges. Many foods that once felt off-limits—eggs, shrimp, liver, and more—are now understood as nutrient-dense, satisfying, and, when enjoyed mindfully, supportive to heart and whole-body health. The real takeaway? It’s not about labeling foods “good” or “bad,” but about building a relationship with eating that’s rooted in knowledge, pleasure, and self-respect. By making room for these misunderstood high-cholesterol foods, you’re opening the door to variety, tradition, and a richer, more joyful experience of food. Listen to your body, check in with your healthcare team, and trust that making peace with your plate is a form of self-care that supports your wellness at every age. Here’s to a future where delicious and wholesome no longer feel like opposites, but dear friends at the very same table.