Eating Well As You Get Older
Frequently Asked Questions
18. Should I limit the amount of cholesterol I consume?
Look for ways to limit the amount of cholesterol you consume. People with high levels of "bad," or LDL cholesterol in their blood are at high risk for heart disease. They should eat less than 200 mg of cholesterol daily. The Nutrition Facts label tells you how much cholesterol is in one serving of packaged foods.
Cholesterol is only found in animal products so you don't need to worry about it being in fruits or vegetables unless butter, cheese, cream, or sauces and gravies made from meat or meat broths are added.
Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about getting your cholesterol checked. Also discuss ways to lower your cholesterol level and limit the cholesterol you consume, if needed.
