When it comes to heart health, what you eat is just as important as how much you eat.
Cardiologists, the medical professionals who specialize in heart health, recommend avoiding certain foods to reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are the top foods cardiologists want you to avoid for a healthy heart.
Red Meat: Red meat, including pork, is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can increase the risk of heart disease. Red meat is also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend limiting red meat consumption and replacing it with leaner sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins.
Processed Meats: Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats are high in sodium, saturated fat, and nitrates, all of which can increase the risk of heart disease. Processed meats are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding processed meats altogether and replacing them with healthier sources of protein.
Fried Foods: French fries and other fried foods are high in saturated fat and trans fat, both of which can increase the risk of heart disease. Fried foods are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding fried foods and replacing them with healthier options, such as baked or grilled foods.
Sugary Drinks and Cereals: Sugary drinks and cereals are high in added sugars, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Sugary drinks and cereals are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding sugary drinks and cereals and replacing them with healthier options, such as water, unsweetened tea, and whole grain cereals.
Potato Chips and Snack Foods: Potato chips and other snack foods are high in saturated fat and trans fat, both of which can increase the risk of heart disease. Potato chips and snack foods are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding potato chips and snack foods and replacing them with healthier options, such as air-popped popcorn, nuts, and seeds.
Full-Fat Dairy Products: Full-fat dairy products are high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Full-fat dairy products are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding full-fat dairy products and replacing them with lower-fat options, such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese.
Baked Goods, Cookies, and Pastries: Baked goods, cookies, and pastries are high in added sugars, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Baked goods, cookies, and pastries are also linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Cardiologists recommend avoiding baked goods, cookies, and pastries and replacing them with healthier options, such as whole grain breads and oatmeal.
Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Cardiologists recommend avoiding certain foods, such as red meat, processed meats, fried foods, sugary drinks and cereals, potato chips and snack foods, full-fat dairy products, baked goods, cookies, and pastries. By avoiding these foods and replacing them with healthier options, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.