Having high cholesterol levels is a significant risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. While some foods can help lower cholesterol levels, others can significantly increase it.

In this article, we highlighted the top 30 foods that can raise bad cholesterol and damage your heart.

1. Processed Meat

Processed meat is high in bad cholesterol and saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Examples of processed meat include bacon, sausages, ham, and salami.

2. Butter

Butter is high in saturated fat, which is one of the major culprits in raising bad cholesterol levels. To reduce your cholesterol levels, it’s advisable to substitute butter with healthier alternatives such as olive oil or avocado oil.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in bad cholesterol and trans fats, which can quickly raise your cholesterol levels. Instead, it’s best to go for healthier alternatives such as grilled, sautéed, or baked foods.

4. Whole Milk

Whole milk is high in saturated fat, which can increase your cholesterol levels. It’s advisable to switch to low-fat or skimmed milk to reduce your cholesterol intake.

5. Cheese

Cheese is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease. While it’s okay to consume cheese in small amounts, it’s best to choose low-fat cheese options.

6. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a dessert favorite but is also high in saturated fat and sugar, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. It’s best to substitute ice cream with healthier options such as sorbet or frozen yogurt.

7. Potato Chips

Potato chips are high in trans fats, which not only raise bad cholesterol levels but also decrease good cholesterol levels. Instead, choose healthier alternatives such as popcorn.

8. Palm Oil

Palm oil is high in saturated and trans fats, making it the worst oil for your heart health. It’s best to avoid using palm oil for cooking and instead, choose healthier alternatives such as olive oil or canola oil.

9. Coconut Oil

While coconut oil has been touted for its health benefits, it is high in saturated fat, which can increase your cholesterol levels. It’s best to use coconut oil in moderation.

10. Bacon

Bacon is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it one of the unhealthiest meats you can consume. It’s best to avoid bacon altogether or substitute it with healthier options such as turkey bacon.

11. Cookies

Cookies are high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbs, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Instead, choose healthier alternatives such as fruit or nuts.

12. Sugary Colas

Sodas are high in sugar and fructose, which can increase your risk of heart disease and raise bad cholesterol levels. It’s best to substitute sugary colas with water, herbal tea, or fresh juice.

13. Fast Food

Fast food is high in trans fats, saturated fat, and calories, which can increase your cholesterol levels and put you at risk of heart disease. It’s best to cook your meals at home with healthier options.

14. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to choose low-fat cheese options or avoid it altogether.

15. Cakes

Cakes are high in sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Instead, choose healthier alternatives such as fruits, nuts, or dark chocolate.

16. Margarine

Margarine is a butter substitute but is high in trans fats and saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to opt for healthier options such as olive oil or avocado oil.

17. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are high in sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Instead, choose healthier alternatives such as fruits or dark chocolate.

18. Canned Soups

Canned soups are high in sodium and preservatives, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to choose homemade soups or low-sodium soup options.

19. White Bread

White bread is high in refined carbs, which can raise your blood sugar levels and increase bad cholesterol levels. It’s best to opt for whole-grain bread options.

20. White Rice

Like white bread, white rice is high in refined carbs, which can raise your blood sugar levels and increase your cholesterol levels. Instead, opt for whole-grain rice options.

21. Pizza

Pizza is high in saturated fats, calories, and sodium, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to choose healthier pizza options such as vegetable toppings and thin crusts.

22. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are high in sodium and trans fats, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to avoid hot dogs altogether or substitute them with healthier options such as chicken sausages.

23. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is high in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol, which can raise your cholesterol levels. It’s best to substitute mayo with healthier options such as hummus or avocado spread.

24. Beef

Beef is high in saturated fat, which can raise your bad cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to choose lean meat options or substitute beef with healthier alternatives such as chicken or fish.

25. Shrimp

Shrimp is high in cholesterol, which can raise your cholesterol levels. It’s best to consume shrimp in moderation or substitute it with healthier seafood options such as salmon or sardines.

26. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. It’s best to opt for egg whites or consume eggs in moderation.

27. Chocolate Bars

While chocolate has health benefits, chocolate bars are highly processed, high in sugar, and trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. It’s best to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa.

28. Crab

Crab is high in cholesterol, which can raise your cholesterol levels. It’s best to consume crab in moderation or substitute it with healthier seafood options such as tuna or mackerel.

29. Sauces

Sauces such as ranch, BBQ, and ketchup are high in calories, sugar, and sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease.

It’s best to make your sauces at home or choose healthier sauce options such as mustard or hummus spread.

30. Muffins

Muffins are high in sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels. Instead, choose healthier alternatives such as fruits or nuts.