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Over the last decade, there has been a massive increase in fried foods and high-salt snacks. Fried food consumption has been linked to an increase in heart-related diseases in studies. According to experts, if you want to keep your heart healthy, you should avoid these foods at all costs or consume them in moderation.
“Whenever you take high amounts of salt, it increases the volume of water in the body since it has high hygroscopic properties, i.e., it attracts water. There’s a rise in blood pressure and, in the long run, it can cause hypertension,” Dr Mohit Tandon, a Delhi-based cardiologist, told, adding that foods with high amounts of saturated fats and sugar are the worst foods for your cardiovascular health.
FRIED FOODS
According to research, saturated fats raise bad cholesterol levels in the body. Fried foods from fast food restaurants and frozen processed foods are high in salt and saturated fats. Both have a negative impact on the heart.
“Saturated fats beyond a limit promote the buildup of bad cholesterol. You gain weight, there’s a risk of insulin resistance and then you can eventually develop diabetes. These foods make the heart work harder,” said Dr Tandon, Consultant Non-Invasive Cardiologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi.
Deep-fried foods containing red meat, burgers, sandwiches, French fries or potato fries will increase the level of LDL, the bad cholesterol in the heart. They are often fried in hydrogenated oils, which are relatively cheaper in mass manufacturing.
SUGARY SODAS/CANDIES
Dr. Tandon referred to sugar as “sweet poison,” emphasizing that foods such as cakes, muffins, cookies, and sweet sodas promote inflammation in the body by increasing triglycerides. An increase in processed sugar foods will result in belly fat and an increased risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Because most cakes, muffins, and cookies are made with refined flour or maida, it raises blood pressure because it contains no nutritional value. Aside from that, according to Dr. Tandon, a permissible limit for sugar consumption is around 7 cubes per day. Even though the body converts food into simple sugars for energy, having more can be harmful.
“You don’t really need any added sugar, but if you definitely need to consume some amount, then it shouldn’t be more than 7 cubes of sugar in a day for any healthy adult. However, a 250 ml can of soda gives you roughly 9 cubes of sugar, so it already superseded your daily requirement. It is a sweet poison,” said Dr Tandon.
RED MEAT
Red meat is popular among non-vegetarians because it is high in saturated fats and contains L-carnitine, a compound that can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. “People who enjoy eating meat should choose lean cuts of red meat, which contain more protein and less fat. If you enjoy chicken, wings or breast pieces are both high in protein and low in fat. Fish is obviously a better choice “Dr. Tandon stated.
However, one should not stop eating red meat entirely. Instead, he suggests using it sparingly.
WHITE PASTA/RICE/WHITE BREAD
White bread, like white pasta, is made of refined flour, sugar, and processed oils that have no health benefits. Rice, on the other hand, does not have a high fibre content, which is why it should not be consumed in large quantities for a healthy heart.
“Rice, when combined with vegetables and dal or lentils, has a high nutritional value. Consumption, on the other hand, should be restricted. People who consume a lot of rice and do not exercise will develop a pot belly. It causes an increase in blood sugar levels as well as calories. When one’s weight increases, the heart has to work harder “Dr. Tandon stated.
Source:IT
