1. Soft Drinks
Sorry, soda lovers! In a recent TikTok, cardiac surgeon Dr. Jeremy London says that soft drinks of all types should be avoided, especially if you're after a healthier heart. "Yes, both diet and regular soft drinks are liquid death," he says. "Don’t drink ’em." According to Dr. London, soda is one of the worst things you can put into your body. While many people assume diet sodas are a healthier option, research suggests that artificial sweeteners may be linked to metabolic issues and even an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. In short: reach for healthier beverages for the sake of your heart.
2. Energy drinks
There are several reasons you might want to avoid energy drinks if you’re looking out for your heart health. For starters, just as with soda, these drinks are typically packed with sugar. But on top of this, there’s also the issue of all that caffeine. “Energy drinks may appear beneficial and healthy to athletes; However, all they are is a can of sugar and caffeine,” board certified cardiologist Dr. Sanul Corrielus tells us, noting that while caffeine is healthy when consumed in moderation, “there is no safe amount of caffeine in energy drinks, which makes them unhealthy.” That means it’s best to leave the red bull on the shelf and reach for something like green tea instead.
3. Alcohol
We probably don’t have to tell you twice that limiting your alcohol intake is an essential part of staying as healthy as possible. While having a glass of wine every now and then is fine (and may even be good for your heart), overindulging can lead to serious health consequences. “If consumed in large quantities, alcohol poses a health risk,” Dr. Corrielus says. “Heart patients suffer harm when intake exceeds a predetermined limit. When consumption exceeds this limit, trouble ensues. Overindulging in alcohol consumption can be especially harmful to heart patients.” This is partly because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increased heart rate, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, and more, all of which can lead to heart disease.
4. Store-Bought Fruit Smoothies
It may be surprising to some to hear that many fruit smoothies are actually unhealthy. When you make smoothies at home, they're a perfect way to fit healthy fruits into your diet. But as it turns out, most bottled varieties that you'll find at the store are loaded with sugar, making them a poor choice for your heart health.
"Some commercial smoothies have a high amount of added sugar which may contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and potential damage to the arteries," Gervacio tells us. Plus, when you regularly sip on bottled smoothies, you put yourself at risk of weight gain. Naked smoothies, for example, can contain as many as 390 calories.
As Gervacio explains, "It’s better to make your own smoothies and add whole fruits, vegetables, dairy, or other ingredients without added sugars." Got it!
5. Sweetened Coffee Drinks
That caramel latte or mocha frappé might be your morning pick-me-up, but it could also be a sneaky source of sugar and fat that impacts your heart health. Many coffee shop beverages contain as much sugar as a can of soda. A typical flavored latte or blended coffee drink can easily exceed your daily recommended sugar intake in just one serving.
When your blood sugar spikes regularly, it can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure over time. Plus, the combination of high sugar and caffeine can overstimulate your cardiovascular system, causing palpitations or even arrhythmias in sensitive individuals.
If you love coffee, you don’t have to give it up — just skip the syrups and whipped cream. Opt for black coffee, cold brew, or a latte made with unsweetened milk for a heart-healthier caffeine fix.
6. Flavored or Sweetened Teas
Tea is often praised for its antioxidant benefits, but not all teas are created equal. Bottled or canned iced teas — even those labeled as “natural” or “organic” — often contain large amounts of added sugar. Many people are shocked to find that sweetened teas can have nearly the same sugar content as soda. This excess sugar intake can contribute to high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and weight gain — all of which raise your risk of heart disease.
Even “lightly sweetened” or fruit-flavored teas can have 20–30 grams of sugar per bottle. And while caffeine in tea can offer a mild energy boost, too much can still elevate your heart rate and blood pressure.
For a better alternative, try unsweetened green tea or herbal teas. They’re rich in heart-protective compounds like flavonoids, which can actually help support healthy blood pressure levels — without the sugar crash.