True High blood cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease that a person can do something about. High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, overweight, and physical inactivity are also controllable risk factors. Although some red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can raise your blood cholesterol, you do not need to stop eating it or any other single food.
Red meat is an important source of protein, iron and other vitamins and minerals.
However, you should cut back on the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol that you eat. One way is to watch your portion sizes and eat no more than six ounces of red meat a day. Six ounces is about the size of two decks of playing cards. A blood cholesterol level of 240 mg.dL is high and increases your risk of heart disease. All adults 20 years of age or older should have their blood cholesterol level checked at least once every five years.