Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, so it’s absolutely crucial to look out for your heart if you want to live a long, healthy life. While many factors impact your cardiovascular health, diet plays an undeniably significant role. There are plenty of delicious, heart-healthy foods to add to your plate—but there are also a lot of detrimental choices that could raise your risk of clogged arteries and disease.
Dr. Alan Mandell, known as @motivationaldoc on TikTok, recently shared a video highlighting three specific frozen foods are particularly harmful to your heart. “There are three main frozen foods that people eat that lead to plaquing of the arteries,” he says, calling out frozen fried chicken, frozen pizza, and frozen pot pies. Read on for all of his expert insight regarding the risks of each.
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1. Frozen Fried Chicken
One of the worst offenders, Dr. Mandell warns, is frozen fried chicken. Despite its convenience and finger-lickin' good taste, he says, "Frozen fried chicken is typically high in trans fats, high in saturated fats, high in sodium." These unhealthy fats increase LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. "This increases arterial plaque buildup," he explains, which can raise your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Plus, the deep-frying process and added preservatives in frozen fried chicken add fire to this risky flame. You're best sticking to fresh, lean meats, like grilled chicken breast.
2. Frozen Pizza
A frozen pizza can be a real treat when you're craving something saucy and cheesy. Unfortunately though, this common freezer food is not a treat for your heart. "Most frozen pizzas—not all, but most—are high in saturated fats, high in trans fats, high in sodium," says Dr. Mandell. The combination of processed meats, cheeses, and dough results in a high-calorie, high-sodium meal that can really throw a wrench in your heart health. Regularly eating frozen pizzas can contribute to high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. "Consuming these regularly will definitely negatively impact our heart health," Dr. Mandell concludes.
3. Frozen Pot Pies
Finally, frozen pot pies are another highly processed food that should be avoided, especially if you're looking out for your heart. "Many millions of people eat these. These typically contain high levels of unhealthy fat, calories, and sodium," says Dr. Mandell. That delectable flaky crust has a dark side: it's often made from hydrogenated oils, which contribute to trans fats. "The fillings may also contain processed meats and gravies high in saturated fats as well as sodium," Dr. Mandell explains. These factors make this popular meal a poor choice for your heart—and your overall health.
