Experts Flag 15 Heart-Worst Foods as Sugar, Sodium and Trans Fats Raise Risk
Updated
Updated · AOL · Jul 29
Experts Flag 15 Heart-Worst Foods as Sugar, Sodium and Trans Fats Raise Risk
3 articles · Updated · AOL · Jul 29
Summary
A 15-item expert list singled out foods and drinks that can undermine cardiovascular health, from processed meats and fried foods to soda, pastries and energy drinks.
Experts said the common mechanisms are high sodium, added sugar, saturated or trans fats, and inflammation, which can raise LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and long-term heart-disease risk.
Several examples came with concrete thresholds: 2 tablespoons of ketchup contain 320 milligrams of sodium, canned soups often top 500 milligrams per cup, and full-sugar sports drinks can reach 34 grams of sugar.
The list also warned that seemingly healthier options such as reduced-fat dressings, flavored milk alternatives, fruit yogurts and diet sodas can still work against heart health.
Experts urged replacing those items with heart-healthier choices such as plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, plant proteins, whole grains and water.