Bad news: Bacon has a lot of fat — the bad kind. The amount of saturated fat in bacon explains why one ounce of bacon contains 30 milligrams of cholesterol. Research has shown that eating foods with high levels of saturated fat can lead to a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
Just about everyone loves a great piece of salty, greasy bacon. But the saturated fat can be so bad for your cholesterol, that it’s best to keep it an occasional indulgence. Otherwise, opt for turkey bacon for a slightly healthier option. Beef liver tops most lists as the food with the highest level of cholesterol.
Then about 40% is saturated fat, accompanied by a decent amount of cholesterol. The remaining fat in bacon is 40% saturated and 10% polyunsaturated, accompanied by a decent amount of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol was a concern in the past, but scientists now agree that it has minor effects on cholesterol levels in your blood ( 2, 3, 4 ).
What you should know about bacon and cholesterol?
Research continues to show that a low-carb diet specifically [ * ]:. Increases LDL particle size so they’re less prone to oxidation. Raises HDL to deal with LDL before it oxidizes. Improves your LDL to HDL ratio. Lowers triglycerides and improves your triglyceride to HDL ratio [ *].
Is Bacon bad for you, or good?
Just like cured meats in general, bacon isn’t as bad for you as the media often makes out. Despite the fears over nitrosamines, the observational data only show minor increases in absolute risk. Bacon isn’t the most nutritious food in the world, but it does offer a good source of protein and several essential nutrients.
Bacon is loaded with fat but contains healthy fat which depends on what animal eats. It consists of 50% mono-saturated fats and oleic acid that is considered to be healthy for heart. About 40% of it is saturated fat having fair amount of cholesterol and 10% are polyunsaturated fatty acid which is considered to be bad.
What are some foods that have good cholesterol?
Saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products seem to be linked to a greater increase in good and bad cholesterol. Saturated fats found in beef and cocoa butter have smaller effects on HDL and LDL cholesterol. Saturated fats found in plant sources such as coconut oil may improve the cholesterol ratio by lowering LDL and increasing HDL.