Certain foods can elevate your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. As your LDL cholesterol increases, so does your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Even if your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol remains within normal limits, elevated and uncontrolled LDL cholesterol can pose a serious, potentially life-threatening risk. A 2018 review in Circulation found a strong correlation between high LDL cholesterol and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Individuals with non-HDL cholesterol levels of at least 160 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) had a 50% to 80% higher risk of heart disease mortality compared to those with lower levels.

Therefore, it’s wise to prioritize your health by managing high LDL cholesterol through limiting saturated fat consumption. The more saturated fat you consume, the greater the likelihood of LDL cholesterol buildup in your body. (Here are some foods to eat and avoid for managing high cholesterol.)

Determine your daily saturated fat limit with simple calculations

While it is possible to eliminate all saturated fats from your diet, it isn’t necessary to go to such lengths. Instead, consider moderating your daily saturated fat intake in line with the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation, which is around 6% of your total caloric intake.

For instance, if you consume about 2,000 calories a day, allocate 6% of that (120 calories) to saturated fat. Since each gram of fat contains 9 calories, divide 120 by 9 to obtain 13 grams, which should be your target saturated fat intake per day.

To visualize 13 grams of saturated fat, consider a food high in saturated fat, such as red meat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 3-ounce serving of ribeye steak contains just over 7 grams of saturated fat. Comparatively, a whole ribeye steak exceeds 21 grams of saturated fat, making it one of the least recommended foods for high cholesterol.

Create satisfying meals with reduced saturated fats

Consequently, it’s beneficial to examine your regular meals to determine if they contain more saturated fat than desired. Even without a nutrition label, you can identify saturated fats since they remain solid at room temperature. Even when not visible (as in baked goods or pre-made products), if they originate from dairy or meat, they likely contain saturated fats.

However, you don’t need to eliminate all fats from your diet. Many unsaturated fats are heart-healthy and won’t elevate LDL cholesterol levels or increase the risk of further cardiovascular issues. (Here’s the best type of fats to consume to lower cholesterol quickly.)

Registered dietitian Anna Taylor, as cited by Cleveland Clinic, states, “Monounsaturated [fats] are great for you and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are stupendous for you.” Yet, she advises not to become overly focused solely on fats, suggesting instead that meal plans should be both healthy and enjoyable.