Fried Foods: Fried foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings are high in unhealthy trans fats that can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
Processed Meats: Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats are high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These can increase your blood pressure, raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase your risk of heart disease.
Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices can be high in added sugars and calories, leading to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Fast Food: Fast food is often high in unhealthy trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. Eating fast food regularly can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Red Meat: Eating too much red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, can increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
High-Sodium Foods: Eating foods high in sodium can increase your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Some high-sodium foods include processed snacks, canned soups, and fast food.
Baked Goods: Baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pastries are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Margarine: Margarine is often high in unhealthy trans fats, which can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and risk of heart disease. It’s important to drink in moderation, which means one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Excessive Salt: Eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease. It’s important to limit your salt intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
It’s important to note that while these foods can be dangerous for your heart, it’s not necessary to completely eliminate them from your diet. However, it’s important to limit your intake of these foods and instead focus on a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, if you have a history of heart disease or high cholesterol, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best diet and lifestyle changes for your individual needs.
Dr Neeraj Kaushik, Founder: Kaushik Acupuncture. Author, Trainer, Acupuncturist, Practioner of complementary medicine