Blood cholesterol levels are affected by many factors. But even people with a hereditary tendency toward heart disease can do something about their cholesterol levels. This is very important because with every 1 percent reduction in total blood cholesterol, there is about a 2 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack. 1 Population groups with an average cholesterol level of 150 or less are largely free of atherosclerosis. For cholesterol levels above 150, the risk of heart disease increases.
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature.
They are found predominately in animal products but are also found in a few vegetable oils, such as palm oil, coconut oil, chocolate, and hydrogenated oils. Decrease Cholesterol Intake Cholesterol in foods increases levels of LDLs. 3 Cholesterol is found only in animal products. Meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and eggs all contain cholesterol, while plant products do not. Many people are surprised to learn that chicken contains as much cholesterol as beef.