Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in every cell of your body. While cholesterol is important for the body to function properly, having high levels of it can be a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

You can lower the levels of cholesterol in your body by eating a healthy and balanced diet. Here are the 30 worst foods for your cholesterol:.

Foods high in saturated and trans fats

Saturated and trans fats have been shown to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are foods high in these types of fats:.

1. Butter

Butter is high in saturated fats and should be consumed in moderation.

2. Bacon

Bacon is high in saturated fats and also contains trans fats.

3. Cheese

Cheese is high in saturated fats, particularly hard cheeses like cheddar.

4. Fried Foods

Fried foods like chicken, fish, and potatoes are high in trans fats due to the oil they are fried in.

5. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in saturated and trans fats.

6. Red Meat

Red meat is high in saturated fats, particularly processed meat like hot dogs and sausages.

7. Whole Milk

Whole milk is high in saturated fats.

8. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in saturated fats and also contains trans fats.

Foods high in cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in animal products, and eating too much of these foods can increase your cholesterol levels. Here are foods high in cholesterol:.

9. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks contain high levels of cholesterol.

10. Liver

Liver is high in cholesterol.

11. Shrimp

Shrimp is high in cholesterol, but low in saturated and trans fats. Eating shrimp in moderation is okay.

12. Lobster

Lobster is high in cholesterol, but low in saturated and trans fats. Eating lobster in moderation is okay.

Foods high in sugar

Foods high in sugar can increase your triglyceride levels, which can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are foods high in sugar:.

13. Sugary Drinks

Sodas and other sweetened beverages are high in sugar.

14. Candy

Candy, especially those with added sugars, is high in sugar.

15. Cake and Cookies

Cake and cookies are also high in sugar.

16. Sweetened Yogurt

Flavored yogurts can be high in sugar. Opt for plain yogurt and add fresh fruits instead.

Foods high in refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates can increase your triglyceride levels, which can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are foods high in refined carbohydrates:.

17. White Bread

White bread is a refined carbohydrate and should be consumed in moderation.

18. White Rice

White rice is a refined carbohydrate and should be consumed in moderation.

19. Pasta

Most pasta is made with white flour, making it a refined carbohydrate.

20. Breakfast Cereals

Many breakfast cereals are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Foods high in sodium

Eating foods high in sodium can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are foods high in sodium:.

21. Processed Foods

Processed foods like deli meats and frozen meals are often high in sodium.

22. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in sodium.

23. Canned Foods

Canned foods like soup and vegetables can be high in sodium.

Foods high in plant sterols

Plant sterols can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. However, eating too much of these foods can also increase your cholesterol levels. Here are foods high in plant sterols:.