The Worst Food for Your Heart

In the United States, heart disease kills more people than any other cause. However, there are many things you can do in your life to help reduce your risk of heart disease. One of the most important things you can do is maintain a healthy diet and avoid certain foods and food groups that greatly increase your risk of heart disease. If you occasionally eat certain foods that tend to increase your risk of heart disease, it is not automatic that you will have some sort of heart disease, but it is when you eat these foods on a regular basis where your risk increases.

 

• Deep Fried Foods
• These types of foods are typically high in saturated fat and loaded with salt, which is what increases the risk for heart disease. Instead of eating fried foods, try making your favorites at home using olive or avocado oil for a healthier alternative. 
• Fast Foods
• Most all fast foods options are high in fat, salt sugar and calories. All of these put a strain on the heart and increase your risk of heart disease. At the beginning of each week, try to plan your meals ahead and prepare some good sources of protein to take with you so there is no need to stop for fast food. 
• Margarine
• Because margarine is made from plant oils, which forms trans fat when the oil is processed, this product is a nutritional villain. Trans fats are associated with a 34% increase in death and 21% increase in heart disease. Instead of margarine, use a spread that does not include hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on the ingredient list.  
• Processed Meats
• Due to the high levels of sodium and preservatives, processed meats increase your risk for heart attacks by 42% if you eat them daily. Processed meats include things like bacon, sausage, pepperoni, salami, cold cuts and cured meats. Try to limit processed meats to once a week if you are going to eat them.