Worst: Frozen Pizzas
It shouldn't be a major surprise to hear that frozen pizzas aren't the healthiest food around. But did you know the toll they can take on your heart, in particular? Although delicious, frozen pizzas are loaded with ingredients that could lead to clogged arteries. "The saturated and trans fats from the cheese and processed toppings—like pepperoni or sausage—are a big driver of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which builds up as plaque along artery walls," Dr. Bhaskar Semitha, a Cardiologist from Clinic Spots, warns. When your arteries narrow, your blood flow is reduced, ultimately putting a strain on your heart. A healthier choice is homemade pizza on a whole-grain crust, topped with fresh veggies and a light sprinkle of low-fat cheese. "Adding leafy greens like spinach boosts fiber and helps manage cholesterol, keeping arteries clearer," he suggests. Yum!
Worst: Frozen Fried Chicken
Fried food poses a major threat to your heart, and frozen options, in particular, should be avoided. Dr. Semitha warns against frozen fried chicken. "It’s high in trans fats, which raise LDL cholesterol and make artery walls stiff, restricting blood flow," Dr. Semitha explains. Fried foods also contain advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are compounds linked to inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries, further increasing your risk of heart disease. For a heart-friendly alternative, he suggests opting for grilled or baked chicken seasoned with herbs or a light marinade. "This way, flavor is there without the artery-clogging oils," he notes.
Best: Frozen Bean Soup
Tasty, fiber-packed legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great plant-based proteins for anyone following a meat-free diet or just aiming to add more veggie-based meals to the mix. Health expert Monelle Burrus, FNP from Verve Health, notes that legumes have been shown to lower levels of LDL (low-density cholesterol). This type of cholesterol is a major contributor to clogged arteries, so incorporating legumes into your diet can significantly improve heart health.
Best: Quinoa
Quinoa is a great option for grain bowls and salads. You may not think of this healthy whole grain as a protein, but as it turns out, it's rich in the macronutrient, along with fiber and antioxidants. It's great for regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and, in turn, boosting heart health. "Quinoa is beneficial to the health of the heart by improving blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, which results in clean arteries," Burrus says. Its versatility makes it easy to incorporate into various dishes.