When you think about foods to avoid for heart health, a few obvious culprits probably come to mind: McDonald’s greasy meals, fried foods, red meat,Such. However, it’s important to remember that eating too much sugar can take a serious toll on your cardiovascular health over time. puts you at risk for problems such as high blood pressure and ultimately, Heart disease.
Of course, it’s no surprise that sugar is unhealthy, but what are the worst options when it comes to heart health? We spoke to an expert Dr. Leonard GanzChief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Abbott, and Sarah Whitkey, registered dietitian and owner of The Plant Potential. They told us that ultra-processed foods with added sugar were the biggest culprits.
Ultra-processed foods with added sugar
at the worst case sweet food For heart health, Dr. Ganz and Dr. Whitkey agree that processed foods with added sugar should be avoided. “Processed and sugary diets often lead to high blood pressure, unintended weight gain, and inflammation, which are associated with a variety of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease,” warns Whipkey.
One of the worst culprits is ultra-processed foods. This means that these foods contain the majority of manufactured, artificial ingredients rather than natural whole foods. As Whipkey explains, ultra-processed foods are “highly processed, with many added ingredients that have gone through several different types of processing.” “They don’t provide nutritional value, but they do require a lot of sugar, fat, and fat to reward our brains.” , and/or salt,” she says.
all added sugar“Added sugar can adversely affect nearly all aspects of health in general, including heart health in particular.” It can have adverse health effects,” says Dr. Ganz.
Ultra-processed foods to avoid
So now that you know how sugary, ultra-processed foods are bad for your heart, which foods should you avoid at the grocery store? But Dr. Ganz says it’s a good rule of thumb to be wary of foods with added sugar. It may sneak up on you.
generally sodaenergy drinks, sports drinks
fruit drink and punch
rain
Many Energy and Meal Replacement Bars
sweet baked goods
Dairy products/dairy products (including flavored yogurt)
sweet breakfast food (cereals, shakes, bars, etc.)
Fancy coffee drinks like lattes and mochas
what to eat instead
We get it: sometimes you just can’t stop your sweet tooth. Wicky says fruit is one of the best options and doesn’t have to be boring. “My favorite plant-based sweets include a nice cream (frozen bananas, cocoa powder, almond butter, unsweetened plant milk and flaxseed blended together for an ice cream-like treat), minimally processed Minimal dark chocolate, handfuls of nuts and berries, frozen grapes, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate,” she says. Hmmm! Please sign up.
