Foods That Cause Heart Disease

Recent studies show that in addition to your genetics, the foods that you eat can play a large role in whether or not you develop heart disease. Certain foods, when eaten in large quantities over time, can cause you to develop heart disease, and those foods should be avoided, especially if you have a family history of the disease. Here is a list of some foods to avoid.

Sodium and Cholesterol

You should aim for a diet including only or mostly foods that are very low in sodium and cholesterol. Cholesterol clogs arteries, leading directly to heart disease. Sodium raises blood pressure, which is also very bad for your health. Avoid salty foods like canned and prepared foods, cured meats and fish and salty snacks. Also avoid adding salt to a meal. Watch labels for foods that are high in cholesterol like eggs and processed foods, and eat foods that lower cholesterol, such as oatmeal and spreads with plant sterols.

Saturated and Trans Fats

It is important to limit your fat intake, but especially that of saturated and trans fats. These types of fat cause your "bad" cholesterol to rise and your arteries to become clogged and hardened, which leads to heart disease. Simply being overweight increases your chances of developing several health problems related to heart disease. Specific foods to avoid are coconut oil, palm oil, other partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, red meat, whole milk, poultry skin, margarine, fried food and processed breads and snacks.

Sugar

Avoid having a diet that is heavy on sugar. Some sugar once in a while is fine, but excessive amounts can lead to diabetes, which in turn can lead to heart disease. Keep sugary snacks and foods to a minimum. Also avoid adding sugar to meals and drinks, and look for a healthy sugar substitute. Keep in mind that sugar is listed many different ways on a label, such as dried cane juice, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose and dextrose.

Alcohol

Some studies have shown that one glass of red wine or dark beer three days per week can lower your risk of heart disease. However, overdoing it, having more than one drink per day or doing any amount of binge drinking, can actually lead to several heart problems. Carefully monitor your alcohol consumption, and speak with your doctor about alternative methods if you don't drink.

High-Glycemic Carbs

Recent studies are showing that high-glycemic foods (foods that contain high-glycemic carbohydrates), such as corn flakes, white bread and instant potatoes, can raise your chances of developing heart disease. It is best to eat these foods in moderation, and to watch your carbohydrate intake in general. Also, low-glycemic carbohydrates are very good for you. Foods that are low-glycemic include fruit, vegetables, nuts and oatmeal.

References

• MedicineNet