An extra virgin olive oil should be your pick instead of the regular ultra- processed vegetable oils, as it is laced with Omega- 6 and is low on cholesterol.
Coconut oil
A favorite among internet health geeks and Loo- doctors, cardiologists with real degrees have a different opinion on it. They warn it is very high in saturated fat, with the American Heart Association even saying that coconut oil can raise your cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease, a report by Yahoo said. Use olive oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil instead.
Potato chips
Never has ever being a comestible known to be so greasy, cooked unhygienically and yet loved than a bag of fries. Fried potato snacks are not just proven to get you a higher blood pressure and heart problems, but also look the part as well. And that’s why cardiologists suggest that you give your stomach and heart a breather by choosing baked versions with negligible fat and minimal salt, or just go cold turkey on munchies by opting sliced and diced veggies with posh- looking hummus, air-popped popcorn, or roasted nuts (in moderation).
Bacon
Bacon is processed meat, high in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt, and preservatives. Experts warn, processed meat “may be associated with cancer and heart disease.” Better options are grilled turkey, baked fish, mushrooms, or tempeh.
Packaged desserts
Ultra-processed sweets, sugary drinks, and ready-made breakfast foods increase heart disease risk and overall mortality, as per the Harvard research stated by Yahoo. Cardiologists recommend fresh fruit with yogurt, homemade baked oatmeal, or dark chocolate (70%+) in small amounts.
Soft drinks
Sugary drinks like soda can cause obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Diet sodas aren’t safe either; they can harm metabolism and gut health. Experts suggest, “Drink plain water, sparkling water, herbal teas, or water infused with fresh fruit.”
Fast food
Eating fast food often is harmful. It is high in calories and low in nutrients, causing heart issues, sugar spikes, high blood pressure, and even mental health problems. Healthy alternatives include potato wedges, grilled chicken, salads, fresh fruit, and fish sandwiches.
Alcohol
No level of alcohol is completely safe. WHO warns it increases risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health issues, as stated in the report by Yahoo. If quitting is hard, limit it to rare occasions or choose non-alcoholic drinks like ginger beer, kombucha, mocktails, or lemonade.
Processed foods
Frozen meals, instant noodles, and packaged snacks are high in salt, sugar, and fat, raising cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. Cardiologists advise, “Cook simple meals using ingredients like rice, beans, vegetables, and lean meats or fish. Choose items with fewer ingredients and less sodium”, as reported by Yahoo.
What you eat every day impacts heart health. High salt, sugar, and saturated fat foods raise cholesterol and blood pressure over time. Experts say paying attention to these foods is “the first step toward preventing long-term health issues.”
FAQs
Q1. What foods do cardiologists avoid for a healthy heart?
Cardiologists avoid margarine, coconut oil, bacon, fried snacks, soft drinks, fast food, packaged desserts, processed foods, and alcohol to protect heart health.
Q2. Why should I avoid processed and fried foods for heart health?
Processed and fried foods are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can raise cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease risk.