Foods to avoid or limit with high cholesterol
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
People with high body fat should limit their intake of fried foods, animal organs, fatty meats, pastries, desserts, and processed meats, as these foods are high in fat—mostly saturated or trans fats. Excessive consumption can increase the body's metabolic burden. If long-term high-fat diet leads to abnormal weight gain or elevated blood lipid levels, medical advice should be sought promptly.
People with high fat levels should eat less fried food, animal organs, fatty meat, pastries and desserts, processed meats, etc., as these foods are high in fat—mostly saturated or trans fats—and excessive consumption can increase the body's metabolic burden. If long-term high-fat diet leads to abnormal weight gain or elevated blood lipids, medical advice should be sought promptly.
1. Fried foods: Items such as fried chicken, french fries, and youtiao (fried dough sticks) absorb large amounts of oil during high-temperature frying, significantly increasing their fat content. The frying process may also produce trans fats. Long-term consumption can lead to excess calorie intake and abnormal blood lipids, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Animal organs: Animal organs like pork liver, brain, and intestines are extremely high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Overconsumption raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood, increases liver metabolic stress, and is detrimental to fat control.
3. Fatty meats: The fatty portions of pork, beef, and lamb contain over 90% fat, mostly saturated fat. Regular consumption easily leads to fat accumulation and may trigger obesity, hypertension, and other health problems.
4. Pastries and desserts: Cakes, cookies, cream breads, and similar baked goods often contain large amounts of butter, cream, and hydrogenated vegetable oils, resulting in high levels of trans fats and sugar. These can disrupt fat metabolism and stimulate appetite.
5. Processed meats: Processed meats such as sausages, bacon, and ham contain added fats and salt for flavor and preservation. They are high in fat, low in nutritional value, and long-term consumption increases total fat intake and health risks.
In daily diets, prioritize cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, stewing, and cold mixing. Increase intake of vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality proteins. Control total daily calorie intake and combine with moderate aerobic exercise to help regulate fat metabolism and maintain metabolic balance.
