Cholesterol is a vital particle in the blood that all humans need to live, but many experts are concerned that people have too much of it.
Among them is Dr Romit Bhattacharya, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, who warned about serious issues when levels become unhealthy.
"Its primary role is to create a membrane, like a bubble, around molecules in the body and help them travel from place to place," Dr Bhattacharya told Mass General Brigham.
When cholesterol levels become unhealthy, it can build up on artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease and other serious problems.
To prevent this from happening, the cardiologist identified several foods that are particularly problematic for those with high cholesterol.
Palm and coconut oil should be limited
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"When we're eating full-fat dairy and meat, we're ingesting a whole lot of dietary cholesterol, particularly saturated fat, which has consistently proven to increase cholesterol levels," he warned.
The worst offenders include red meat like beef, pork and lamb, as well as processed meats such as sausage.
Full-fat dairy products, baked goods and sweets also make the list. Fried foods, tropical oils like palm and coconut oil, and butter should be limited, too.
"Decrease your saturated fat intake to at least less than 10 per cent of your daily calories," advised Dr Bhattacharya.
On the flip side, the cardiologist recommended plant-based foods for those looking to lower their levels.
"Plants basically don't make cholesterol," he explains. "So, if you're worried about cholesterol, eating plants is going to help."
High-fibre foods are particularly beneficial, including beans, broccoli and leafy greens. Whole grains, fruits, nuts, and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil also make the heart-healthy list.
For the best results, Dr Bhattacharya emphasised consistency over quick fixes.
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Heart attack is a leading cause of death around the world GETTY"Fad diets don't work as well. If you're doing 80 per cent of the right things 80 per cent of the time, that's a great start," he noted.
He warned that a concerning aspect of high cholesterol is its silent nature; unlike many health conditions, it typically causes no noticeable symptoms. This highlights the importance of regular testing.
"It's a game of trust," explained Dr Bhattacharya. "If your doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high, you need to act on it - even if you're feeling well.
"Heart attack and stroke are the most common problems caused by a very high cholesterol level," warned Dr Bhattacharya.
