Cholesterol is found in all animal products: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products. It is especially high in egg yolks and organ meats such as liver, brains and kidneys. Eating foods high in dietary cholesterol tends to raise the level of blood cholesterol. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NECP) recommends eating less than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol per day.

Vegetable products do not contain cholesterol, but they may be loaded with fat. Labels stating "NO CHOLESTEROL" on food packages should alert you to look at the nutrition information to determine the amount of fat and saturated fat. Research has shown that saturated fat is the most potent determinant of blood cholesterol levels (more than dietary cholesterol!)