Processed Meats: Processed meats such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and additives like nitrates and nitrites, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Trans Fats: Trans fats are artificial fats found in many processed foods, fried foods, and baked goods. They raise LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol), increasing the risk of heart disease.
Sugary Foods and Beverages: Foods and drinks high in added sugars, such as sugary sodas, desserts, candies, and sweetened snacks, can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Highly Processed and Fried Foods: Highly processed foods like chips, fast food, packaged snacks, and fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories, which can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Excessive Salt: Consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Limit intake of high-sodium foods like processed foods, canned soups, salty snacks, and fast food.
Saturated and Trans Fat-Rich Foods: Foods high in saturated fats, such as fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, butter, and tropical oils like coconut oil, can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Trans fats found in fried foods and baked goods are particularly harmful to heart health.
Refined Carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, and pastries can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to inflammation, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Excessive Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption may have some heart-healthy benefits, excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and cardiomyopathy. Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.