To Eat Cholesterol or Not to Eat Cholesterol… That is the Question

For years we've been told to stay away from high cholesterol foods, but those days seem to be over. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that ends up in the walls of arteries. This plaque buildup can lead to heart attack or stroke. Cleveland clinic cardiologist Dr. Steve Nissen says new research shows dietary cholesterol does not impact our blood cholesterol levels like we thought. Avoiding high cholesterol foods like eggs, shrimp or butter does not change blood cholesterol levels very much. For a majority of cases, genetics are the driving force behind high cholesterol levels. That does not mean that you can eat whatever you want. Foods high in trans fats should be avoided. The U.S. Dietary guidelines advisory committee expects to release new cholesterol guidelines later this year.