Surprising Foods To Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol

37. Margarine (Stick Form): The Butter Imposter's Cholesterol Catch

Margarine was once touted as a heart-healthy alternative to butter, but the stick form, in particular, can be a sneaky cholesterol culprit. While the narrative around saturated fats has evolved, older formulations of stick margarine often contained significant amounts of trans fats. These artificial fats are notorious for their detrimental effects on cholesterol, raising "bad" LDL cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, and lowering "good" HDL cholesterol, which helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. While many manufacturers have taken steps to reduce or eliminate trans fats from their products, it's still crucial to check labels carefully. Look for phrases like "partially hydrogenated oil," which indicates the presence of trans fats, even if the label claims "zero trans fat" (as there can be trace amounts). Tub margarine or spreads made with olive oil or other plant-based oils are generally healthier options. For cooking and baking, consider using olive oil directly or a heart-healthy oil alternative like avocado oil.

38. Store-Bought Muffins: The Baked Good's Cholesterol Deception

Those tempting muffins beckoning from the bakery counter or grocery store shelf can be surprisingly harmful to your cholesterol levels. While they might seem like a relatively benign breakfast or snack option, they're often loaded with ingredients that contribute to elevated cholesterol. Many are made with excessive amounts of butter, sugar, and refined white flour, creating a high-calorie, low-fiber food. The saturated fat in the butter can raise LDL cholesterol, while the refined flour and sugar can spike blood sugar and increase triglycerides. Worse yet, some commercially produced muffins may contain trans fats from shortening or partially hydrogenated oils used to enhance texture and shelf life. These trans fats pose a significant risk to heart health. If you crave a muffin, baking your own at home offers a much healthier alternative. You can use whole-wheat flour for added fiber, reduce the amount of added sugar, and incorporate healthy oils like olive oil or canola oil. Adding fruits, nuts, or seeds can also boost the nutritional value.