From the Guidelines
People with hyperlipidemia should avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, such as processed foods containing trans fatty acids, sugar-rich, salty, and high-fat foods, to help manage their condition. Specifically, limit red meat, full-fat dairy products (cheese, butter, whole milk), processed meats (bacon, sausage), fried foods, and commercially baked goods (cookies, cakes, pastries) 1. Also, reduce intake of refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and sugary foods including sodas and desserts. Coconut and palm oils should be limited as they contain high amounts of saturated fat. Alcohol consumption should be moderate or avoided altogether. These dietary restrictions are important because these foods can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the bloodstream, worsening hyperlipidemia and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Instead, focus on consuming more:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts Making these dietary changes, along with regular exercise and any prescribed medications, can significantly improve lipid profiles and overall heart health 1. It is also recommended to balance calorie intake and physical activity to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight, consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods, and consume fish, especially oily fish, at least twice a week 1.
Limiting the intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids requires the substitution of other nutrients unless there is a need to reduce total energy intake, and certain soluble fibers can reduce LDL cholesterol, particularly in hypercholesterolemic individuals 1. A growing body of evidence indicates that foods rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids confer cardioprotective effects beyond those that can be ascribed to improvements in blood lipoprotein profiles 1.
From the Research
Foods to Avoid in Hyperlipidemia
To manage hyperlipidemia, it is essential to limit or avoid certain foods that can raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The following foods should be limited or avoided:
- Foods high in saturated fatty acids (SFA), such as those found in animal products and processed meats 2
- Refined carbohydrates, which can increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk 3
- Trans-fat, which should be eliminated from the diet 3
- Unfiltered coffee, which can cause a moderate to large increase in LDL cholesterol levels 4
- Foods high in sugar, which can cause a small increase in LDL cholesterol levels 4
Recommended Dietary Changes
In addition to limiting or avoiding certain foods, the following dietary changes can help manage hyperlipidemia:
- Replacing SFA with unsaturated fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, may reduce ASCVD risk 2
- Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fish or other omega-3 fatty acids can help lower LDL-C levels and reduce CVD risk 3
- Adhering to a Mediterranean diet, which is high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, can help lower CVD and total mortality 3
- Consuming foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, and psyllium, can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels 4
- Adding plant sterols/stanols to the diet can also help reduce LDL cholesterol levels 4