There are many factors that affect heart health. Stress, harmful habits, malnutrition can cause heart diseases. In order to protect cardiovascular health, which is among our vital organs, we need to pay attention to our nutrition. The foods we consume in our daily life increase the risks of cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, cancer and heart diseases.
FOODS AFFECTING HEART HEALTH
SUGAR, SALT, OIL
Over time, high amounts of salt, sugar, saturated fat and refined carbohydrates increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you are worried about your heart, you should exclude them from your regular diet.
Red meat
Eating too much beef and lamb can increase your chances of heart disease and diabetes. This may be because they are high in saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol. More recent research points to how gut bacteria process a part of meat called L-carnitine. Limit your portions.
ACID BEVERAGES
Having a small amount of added sugar isn’t harmful, but a can of soda contains more added sugar than experts recommend for an entire day. Those who drink soda tend to gain more weight. Those who consume them are more likely to become obese and have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
COOKED PRODUCTS
Cookies and cakes should be eaten infrequently. Typically, they are loaded with added sugar, which leads to weight gain. They’re also linked to higher triglyceride levels, which can lead to heart disease. Their main ingredient is usually white flour, which can raise your blood sugar and make you hungrier. Make healthier foods: Replace with whole wheat flour, cut back on sugar, and use vegetable oils instead of butter or shortening.
PROCESSED MEATS
Hot dogs, sausages, salami are the worst types of meat for your heart. They have high amounts of salt and most are high in saturated fat. When it comes to deli products, turkey is better for you than salami as it is free of saturated fat. But it still has a fair amount of sodium, so it’s not as heart-healthy as freshly sliced turkey breast.