How to keep heart healthy?
It often happens that we eat certain foods on a daily basis, considering they are healthy and good for the body. But what if you get to know that the common daily foods are harmful for the heart? In a recent video on Instagram, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, cardiologist and director of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, shared a list of 10 foods that he would never buy as a cardiologist who has treated heart diseases for about 20 years. In a post shared in May, Dr. Bhojraj listed the foods and wrote, “These might shock you… especially #6.” Scroll down to read the details.
Why these?
According to Dr Sanjay's post, "What looks healthy on the label isn’t always heart-healthy—and I’ve seen this play out with hundreds of patients. Inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and nutrient depletion don’t always come from junk food."
Agave syrup
As per Dr Sanjay, agave syrup is often marketed as a healthy sugar alternative, but it spikes triglycerides fast. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they are a type of fat, called lipids, that circulates in your blood and is the most common type of fat in your body. Triglycerides come from foods, especially butter, oils, other fats you eat, and extra calories your body does not need right away.
Coconut Oil
Dr. Sanjay also mentioned that coconut oil, when consumed in large amounts is harmful, as it is high in saturated fats, which is not great for already inflamed arteries.
Store-bought granola
As per Dr Sanjay, it is often ultra-processed and is full of hidden sugars.
Whole wheat bread
It is often loaded with additives, and most are just brown-colored white bread. Hence, it should be avoided.
Flavoured Greek Yogurt
According to Dr Sanjay, flavoured Greek yogurt has tons of sugar hiding behind the protein, which one should avoid.
Plant-based meat substitutes
As per Dr Sanjay, plant-based meat substitutes are full of seed oil, sodium, and additives which are not good for heart health.
Rice cakes
They are said to have high glycemic and low in nutrients, which means they are a sure-shot ‘blood sugar rollercoaster’, states Dr Sanjay.
Bottled green juice
According to the cardiologist, bottled green juices are a ‘fructose bomb in disguise.’
Flavoured sparkling water with “natural flavours”
According to Dr Sanjay, they have ‘natural flavours’ and contain synthetic chemicals and acids that erode the gut lining.
Gluten-free processed snacks
He also mentioned that gluten-free processed snacks are just as
inflammatory. They just come with better branding.
All Images Courtesy: istock
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