8 Surprisingly Healthy Foods That Have High Cholesterol (And Why You Shouldn't Worry)

9. Myth #3: Dietary Cholesterol Recommendations Have Changed

Not long ago, nutrition guidelines came with strict limits on how much cholesterol you should eat—a rule that had many people skipping not just eggs, but entire food groups. That advice has shifted with new evidence. Major heart and health organizations no longer recommend universal cholesterol limits for most Americans. Instead, the focus is on dietary patterns—like eating more fiber, fruits, vegetables, and less processed food.

10. Coffee

While coffee itself is cholesterol-free, it contains natural compounds called diterpenes—found mostly in unfiltered brews (like French press, espresso, or Turkish coffee)—that can raise blood cholesterol when consumed in large amounts. But here’s where balance comes into play: moderate coffee intake (around three to four cups per day) is linked with a range of health benefits including a lower risk of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and type 2 diabetes.