Why You Should Ditch Full-Fat Dairy When Cholesterol is High

When your cholesterol levels are too high, full-fat dairy might not be your best friend. That's because it's loaded with saturated fat, which can make it tough for your liver to clean up the bad cholesterol. Beth Auguste, a dietitian in Philadelphia, explains that saturated fat can hinder your liver's ability to break down the bad cholesterol, also known as LDL.But don't ditch dairy altogether! Dairy has its perks, like providing essential nutrients that are good for your heart. To keep your cholesterol in check, you can switch to lower-fat dairy options, such as fat-free yogurt or kefir. Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, suggests this to reduce saturated fat intake while still getting those heart-healthy nutrients. Auguste also mentions a clever trick: pair your fat-free dairy with healthy fats. For instance, sprinkle some almonds or chia seeds on your fat-free yogurt or cottage cheese. This way, you get the benefits of both dairy protein and healthy fats.