Health & Wellness

11 Worst and Dangerous Foods that are Bad for your Heart

Looking for worst foods for your heart ? Cardiovascular diseases are one of the significant causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. There can be several contributing factors to the development of cardiovascular diseases. 

Even foods can be a major contributing factor as it causes inflammation and deposition of fats.

Certain foods are rich in saturated and trans fat, which increases the risk of heart disease, and for people with existing heart diseases, it worsens the situation. Ideally, a heart-healthy diet should be rich in good cholesterol and low in sugars. 

Foods that are Bad for your Heart

One of the best methods to keep your body well and prevent future heart attacks is to have a balanced cardiovascular diet.Here is the list of worst foods for your heart-

worst Foods that are Bad for your Heart

1. Fast-Food Burgers

Fast-Food Burgers

It is widely known that saturated fats are bad for heart health as it causes deposition of fat in the heart resulting in cardiovascular diseases. The unsaturated fats seem to be rich in good cholesterol that protects against heart diseases.

Fast food burgers are rich in saturated fats, which possess the risk of obesity and heart diseases. The fast-food centre utilizes low-quality ingredients to make the business profitable, but it has detrimental effects.

Of course, burgers might be tasty to eat, but frequent consumption may land you to start a bland diet.

So eat fast food only in moderation that too occasionally. Avoid all types of food rich in saturated and trans fats.

2. Diet Soda

soda

Carbonated beverages are an everyday part of the diet. People to eliminate the extra calories of regular soda opt for diet soda. The diet soda will be fat-free without a single calorie.

People might think diet soda is a healthy reality, but in reality, it is not suitable for health and puts you at risk of heart diseases. The chemicals present in diet soda alter the gastric composition.

The artificial sweeteners present in the beverages do not help reduce body weight; they increase obesity and diabetes.

Consumption of two or more diet sodas in a diet will have a detrimental effect on the body.

ALSO READ: Foods That Make You Fat and Should Be Avoided

3. Candy

 Candy

According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, sugar is also a significant contributor to heart disease. High sugar predisposes individuals to diabetes, inflammation, and cholesterol.

All these factors contribute to the development of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Sugar and sugary substances increase the risk of obesity. It is better to avoid sugar in any form.

4. Sugary Cereals

Sugary Cereals

Having a breakfast rich in sugars can result in inflammation and alterations in blood sugar levels. 

Cultivate the habit of eating a healthy breakfast, having an egg, toast, and fruits. Eating sugary cereals in breakfast makes the body crave more sugars throughout the day.

5. Fried Foods

Fried Foods

Fried food is rich in calories and is deep-fried in trans fats. The fried food increases blood cholesterol which gets deposited in the blood vessels resulting in coronary artery disease. 

The homemade fries are made in olive oil and coconut oil and are comparatively healthier than outside food.

Fast-food oils contain high amounts of saturated and trans fats.

Also Read: Omega 3 Fish Oil Health Benefits and Side Effects

6. Pizza

Pizza

The amount of salt in food is one of the leading causes of heart diseases, and the American Heart Association recommends limiting the intake of salts in all forms.

Sodium and saturated fat levels in the pizza can increase the risk of heart diseases. Extra cheese and meat-based toppings increase their adverse impact on heart health.

In case of cravings, limit the intake to one or two slices and avoid meat-based toppings.

7. Bacon

Bacon

This food is rich in saturated fat and increases the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

This bad cholesterol is responsible for heart attack. Seasoning it with salt ads to increase blood pressure in addition to the calories.

The heart needs additional efforts to pump the blood. It is not just bacon and salt; even the preservatives added has a detrimental effect on the body.

8. Meat

Meat

Whether the meat is processed or unprocessed, it raises the odds for heart diseases. The meat from beef, lamb, and pork are high in saturated fat. 

The processed meats such as salami, hot dogs, sausage, and bacon are available as low-fat options and can be rich in salt. 

You might be interested in Foods that are Bad for your Liver Heart and Gut

9. Baked Food

Baked Food

They are made of white flour, sugar, saturated or trans fat. Sugar and trans fat are an individual’s biggest enemies as both tend to increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Butter, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil or palm oil are associated with increased triglycerides that can lead to heart disease. The consumption of bakery items should be limited.

The sugar and white flour content tend to increase weight. There are healthy alternatives for your regular baked items, like white flour can be replaced with the whole wheat flow, reduce the amount of sugar and do not use butter.

10. Butter

Butter

This bread spread is a common household item used and a part of your breakfast. The butter is high in saturated fat, which is nothing but bad cholesterol.

It should be consumed only in moderation. You have healthy alternatives to the butter, such as stanol. Heart-healthy butter fats of almonds and sunflowers are good.

Be sure to read: Is Aluminum Foil Safe for cooking

11. Flavoured full-fat yogurt

yogurt

Yoghurt is healthy for your gastrointestinal tract and even helpful in reducing blood pressure. The tasty flavoured yoghurt may be suitable for your palate, but it is rich in sugars and cholesterol.

Plain yoghurt is a healthy alternative to flavoured yoghurt. You can opt for low-fat yoghurt with added fresh fruits.

Summary

Regular food ingredients can have a significant impact on heart health. Control the amount of sugar, salt and trans fats in the body.

These ingredients increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.

Check on the number of sugars and salts when buying canned or processed food. Canned juices are high in sugars, and processed meats are rich in salt both are unhealthy for the heart.

Other commonly eaten foods to be avoided are pizza, burgers, butter, flavoured full-fat yoghurt, burgers, etc. Include healthy fruits and vegetables in the diet to maintain overall health and vitality.

So, friends, we hope that going through the above foods that are bad for your heart will surely help you.

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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