How much cholesterol should you consume?

The average person should limit the amount of cholesterol he consumes to less than 300 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association. The organization also recommends that the average person eat between 25 and 35 percent of his daily calories as fat.

The fat consumed should be healthy fats such as polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats that are found in foods such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils. People should also limit the amount of saturated and trans fat that they consume to keep their hearts and arteries healthy. By following all of these recommendations, a person may be able to reduce his risk of heart disease.