Now more than ever, people are concerned with taking care of their heart health and ensuring that their ‘ticker’ stays in tip-top shape.
There are many things you can do to benefit your heart, like exercise and ensure you get in the proper nutrients and vitamins needed to support it. However, there are also numerous things you should avoid, like ultra-processed foods, which can take a toll on your cardiovascular health when consumed frequently. Using information from health experts, we’re listing three processed foods you should give up to benefit your heart health. Read more about them below.
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1. Processed Red Meat
If you feel like you can't get through a week without pepperoni pizza, some charcuterie, or some ham on your lunchtime sandwiches, you might want to start looking into alternatives, as processed red meats are notoriously known for taking a toll on your heart health. Instead, consider eating lean cuts of meat that aren't processed and instead, cooked at home.
"Processed deli meat is at the top of the list for foods that can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and stroke," says cardiologist Dr. Raed Bargout, MD.
2. Potato Chips
Potato chips are one of the most classic snacks out there, often eaten at gatherings or a solo night in. While they're considered many people's comfort food, potato chips are recommended to be enjoyed in moderation, as they're known for being high in fat and highly processed.
"Regular potato chips are typically deep-fried in unhealthy oils, which are high in saturated and trans fats," says nutritionist Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD. "These fats can increase cholesterol levels and promote the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to clogged arteries over time."
3. Frozen & Pre-Made Meals
Many busy people are reliant on pre-made and frozen meals that save them lots of time in the kitchen and encourage them to feed themselves in a short amount of time. While eating these meals in moderation shouldn't do much damage, you can really end up hurting your cardiovascular health if you end up eating them several times a week, as they are packed with ingredients that are high in saturated fat and more.
"These ingredients promote plaque buildup, putting added strain on blood vessels and narrowing the arteries," explains Dr. Bhaskar Semitha, a cardiologist from Clinic Spot.
