A top cardiologist has suggested the three worst foods to consume for people looking to reduce their cholesterol levels, including one he described as a “cholesterol bomb”.

The cardiologist in question was Dr Steven Lome who appeared on the Physicians Committee podcast to discuss the worst foods for cholesterol.

However, before discussing cholesterol it is important to note there are two main types; HDL and LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is what is known as ‘good’ cholesterol because it can help reduce someone’s likelihood of developing a heart disease or a stroke.

LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is known as bad cholesterol because having too much of it can block the arteries and increase someone’s risk of heart disease.

As a result, it is key to have healthy levels of HDL cholesterol and low levels of LDL cholesterol, according to health experts.

Speaking about the three main foods to avoid consuming, Dr Lome suggested that processed meats, red meats, and eggs were the main foods to avoid.

He said: “Processed meats, pepperoni, baloney, salami, sausage, things like that, they’re extremely high in saturated fat and, most of the time most, saturated fat has the biggest impact and they are high in saturated fat.

“They also have a good amount of dietary cholesterol which we need to remember, dietary cholesterol is not an essential nutrient. Processed meats I think by far would be the worst.

“Next, I would put red meats which still would be high in cholesterol and saturated fat significantly so you really want to get rid of those. And then eggs.”

Dr Steven was especially dramatic when it came to his description of eggs. He said: “Eggs are a cholesterol bomb, I hear people call them. That yoke is just so full of cholesterol. In most surveys, eggs are the number one source of dietary cholesterol in the American diet.”

When it comes to the impact of diet on cholesterol levels, it comes down to more than just conjecture with several studies being carried out to demonstrate the impact of different foods on the diet.

Eggs

Several studies have been published assessing the impact of eggs on cholesterol levels. For example, one study published in the Science Direct journal looked at the impact of eggs on blood lipid levels and whether they should be consumed at all.

They concluded: “When combined with healthy eating patterns that include more dietary fibre or fish, eggs may be beneficially associated with lipid outcomes. Overall, these results provide no evidence that egg intake should be limited when consumed as a part of a fibre-rich, heart- healthy diet.”

Meanwhile, another study suggested that eggs could see a rise in levels of LDL cholesterol levels. Published in the Nutrients journal, researchers concluded: “Notably, longer-term high egg-consumption may lead to higher LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and LDL-c. However, RCTs with long tern follow-up are needed to guarantee the association between egg consumption and human health.”

Red and Processed Meat

Both red and processed meat have been linked with an increased risk of heart disease according to research published by the University of Oxford. Publishing their study in the Critical reviews in Food Science and Nutrition journal they found that higher intakes of red and processed meat could increase the risk of heart disease.

In a statement following the release of the data, co-lead author of the study Dr Keren Papier said: “Red and processed meat have been consistently linked with bowel cancer and our findings suggest an additional role in heart disease.

“Therefore, current recommendations to limit red and processed meat consumption may also assist with the prevention of coronary heart disease.”

Meanwhile, other experts have also warned against the consumption of processed and red meat when it comes to cholesterol and heart disease risk.

Speaking to GloucestershireLive, wellness expert at Ski Vertigo Alex Dyer warned: “Reducing processed meats is not just about lowering cholesterol. It’s about giving your heart the best chance to perform at its peak, whether that’s during mountain treks or daily activities.

“When clients start cutting out processed meats, they often notice improvements in energy levels and recovery times. It’s a change that supports better circulation and reduces the load on the cardiovascular system. The body becomes more efficient, endurance increases, and overall wellness improves.”

To find out more about reducing your cholesterol, visit the NHS website.