Despite what is commonly believed, blood cholesterol is NOT the same as dietary cholesterol. Cholesterol is a necessary component of our cells and is produced by our liver.

Our liver produces more cholesterol when we eat fats that are solid at room temperature, such as animal fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils or shortening. It also may produce more cholesterol when we eat foods high in cholesterol.

Tips to keep your cholesterol intake down.
The recommended goal is less than 300mg/day.

Remember, cholesterol is found in all animal foods. It is not found in any plant foods.

• limit liver and other organ meats - they are the highest sources of cholesterol
• limit egg yolks - make omelets or French toast using one egg yolk and extra egg whites choose
• smaller portions of meats - up to 6 oz meat a day (size of 2 decks of cards).
• shellfish is not as high in cholesterol as commonly believed. Enjoy mussels, oysters, scallops and clams - minus the butter!
• check the chart for more details on the cholesterol content of foods.