At-home test kits, like many consumer health devices, are generally unreliable. Your Ally People who have a genetic predisposition to cholesterol problems should follow their doctor's dietary recommendations. The rest of us should be able to keep cholesterol levels in check by a self-imposed goal of not more than 30 percent of daily calories from fat. If you know your foods well, you can distinguish friend from foe. First, cut back on red meat, especially organ meat, because of its high saturated fat and cholesterol content.
Most fish contains less fat and cholesterol than red meat.
Most shellfish is also low in fat, and although it is high in cholesterol, for most people it is preferable to red meat and poultry. Whenever possible, go easy on whole dairy products, mayonnaise, chocolate, tropical oils, and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats such as margarine. For cooking, replace saturated fats that are solid at room temperature, such as butter and shortening, with liquid monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola or flax oil. Saturated fats can raise your blood cholesterol level. Eating grapes may help reduce blood cholesterol, thanks to flavonoid compounds in their skins.