Cardiologists see first-hand how certain foods affect the heart.
With more than 66,000 Britons dying from cardiovascular disease each year, it’s more important than ever to protect our hearts.
To make matters worse, a recent study revealed that heart disease in some people under the age of 40 has increased over the past decade.
According to two doctors, the Western lifestyle, which often eats processed foods, is exacerbating heart disease.
Still, it’s not always possible to eliminate problem foods, so moderation and portion control are important.
talk todayDr. Sharon Hayes, Cardiologist, Women’s Heart Clinic, Minnesota, USA.
Read more about heart disease
“And nothing is trying to kill you. It’s a matter of balance.
“So you can eat cheesecake once in a while and you won’t die, but what and how much you eat is very important.”
Dr. Andrew Freeman and Dr. Sharon, cardiologists at National Jewish Health in Colorado, USA, share some of the foods they avoid or limit for optimal health.
1. Sausage
Processed meats like sausage and bacon are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, and added ingredients like nitrates, all of which are bad for your heart, experts say.
And heart health isn’t the only thing that suffers from indulging in hot dogs, Dr. Andrews said today.
The World Health Organization has determined that eating processed meat causes cancer, he explained.
2. potato chips
Stay away from the little bags of salty, chewy, processed carbs you might find in vending machines, doctors advised.
“Our culture values convenience, and that’s great, but convenience doesn’t mean you have to eat processed foods with added sugar and salt,” said Dr. Andrews.
Excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, according to the NHS.
“Nature has provided us with the exact foods we should eat. We just have to eat,” the doctor explained.
Instead, choose healthy portable foods such as apples, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables.
3. Pudding
It’s fine to enjoy sugar, but keep your consumption of sweet treats to a minimum.
Too much sugar can lead to excess calories and weight gain.
Being overweight increases your risk of health problems such as heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes, the NHS explains.
Dr. Sharon said she eats no more than once a week and keeps it small to limit calories.
4. Too much protein
As a nation, we’re pretty obsessed with protein – especially those of us who enjoy the gym.
It’s not uncommon for people to be consuming twice as much protein as they need in a day, which can strain the kidneys and cause more problems down the road,” he added.
Recent study Men on a high-protein diet were found to have a 33% increased risk of developing heart failure.
Another problem is that meat protein is often high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels. American Heart Association I warn you.
So don’t overdo it and choose plant-based proteins, both doctors advised.
Most adults need about 0.75 g of protein per kilo of body weight per day (45 g for an average woman and 55 g for a man).
This equates to about two servings of meat, fish, nuts, or tofu per day.
5. Energy drink
Dr. Andrew said he avoids energy drinks at all costs.
Studies show that the combination of sugar and caffeine in canned beverages cause problems such as hypertension and arrhythmias.
That doesn’t mean you should cut out caffeine, experts said.
Drinking tea or coffee in moderation every day is very healthy.
other research It suggests that two cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
6. Coconut oil
Many people mistakenly believe that coconut oil is a healthy fat alternative, even though it actually contains more saturated fat than lard.
It has also been used in mouse and rat studies to mimic the arterial cholesterol blockage known as atherosclerosis.
Dr. Andrew suggests people use it as a moisturizer, but keep it out of the kitchen.
