Cardiologists and dietitians are pointing to six foods that may be especially unhelpful for people trying to manage high cholesterol: solid cooking fats, processed meats, soda, fried chicken, ice cream and packaged pastries. The common thread is that these items are often rich in saturated fat, added sugar or highly processed ingredients that can work against heart health.

Experts also stress that high cholesterol is not caused by diet alone. Genetics, age, smoking, activity level and certain medical conditions can all affect cholesterol levels, which means food is only one part of the bigger picture. Even so, everyday eating habits can still play an important role in helping people keep cholesterol in a healthier range.

The foods on this list tend to be singled out because they can add large amounts of less healthy fats or sugars without offering much nutritional value in return. Processed meats and fried foods are often seen as tougher choices for heart health, while soda, ice cream and packaged pastries can add excess sugar and calories that may make overall cholesterol management more difficult.

The takeaway from the experts is not just about cutting back on a few obvious foods, but about building a more heart-friendly pattern overall. For people concerned about high cholesterol, choosing less processed meals and being mindful of common sources of saturated fat and added sugar may be a practical place to start.