Saturated fat is responsible for raising cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats usually are liquid at room temperature and are found in vegetable oils. Safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils contain the highest amounts of polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats, such as corn oil, can help decrease high blood cholesterol levels when part of a healthful diet. Monounsaturated fats also are liquid at room temperature and are found in vegetable oils, such as canola and olive.
Monounsaturated fats can help decrease high blood cholesterol levels if part of a lower-fat diet.
Dietary cholesterol comes only from animal sources such as the fat in dairy products, egg yolks, meats, poultry and seafood. Vegetables, fruits, and grains do not contain cholesterol. Hydrogenation is a process that makes an oil more solid at room temperature. Hydrogenated vegetable oils give some processed foods, such as margarine and crackers, a longer shelf life. Read the food label to choose those lower in sodium.