Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, a healthy diet can prevent heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Cardiologists often practice what they preach and avoid certain foods that increase the risk of heart disease. Here are 15 foods that cardiologists always avoid.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs are high in saturated fats and sodium. These foods increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

According to a study, people who eat processed meats have a 42% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 19% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those who avoid them altogether.

2. High Sodium Foods

Salt is essential for our body, but consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Cardiologists avoid high sodium foods like canned soups, pickles, and chips to keep their hearts healthy.

According to the American Heart Association, you should aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

3. Fried Foods

Fried foods like fried chicken, french fries, and onion rings are high in calories and saturated fats. These foods increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and obesity.

Cardiologists often avoid fried foods and opt for baked or grilled alternatives instead.

4. Sweets and Sugary Drinks

Sweets and sugary drinks like soda, candy, and pastries are high in added sugars. Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Cardiologists often go for sugar-free alternatives like fruit-infused water and homemade desserts made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

5. Trans Fats

Trans fats are unsaturated fats that are processed to increase their shelf life. These fats are often found in fried foods, baked goods, and processed snacks.

Trans fats increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cardiologists avoid trans fats altogether.

6. Red Meat

Red meat like beef, lamb, and pork are high in saturated fats that increase the risk of developing heart disease. According to a study, consuming red meat increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 12%.

7. Full-Fat Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and butter are high in saturated fats and cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cardiologists recommend low-fat dairy alternatives like skim milk, low-fat cheese, and yogurt.

8. Fast Food

Fast food like burgers, fried chicken, and pizza is high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium. These foods increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and obesity.

Cardiologists avoid fast food and opt for healthier alternatives like homemade meals and salads.

9. Fruit Juices

Fruit juices like apple juice and grape juice are often high in added sugars and lack fiber, increasing the risk of developing heart disease and obesity. Cardiologists advise consuming fresh fruits instead of fruit juices.

10. Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Cardiologists recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

11. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, increasing the risk of developing heart disease and anxiety. Cardiologists advise avoiding energy drinks altogether.

12. Margarine

Margarine is often marketed as a healthier alternative to butter because it has less cholesterol and saturated fats. However, margarine contains trans fats, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Cardiologists recommend using olive oil or spreads made from natural ingredients instead of margarine.

13. High-Fat Snacks

High-fat snacks like chips, peanuts, and crackers are often high in calories and saturated fats. These foods increase the risk of developing heart disease and obesity. Cardiologists suggest snacking on nuts, seeds, and fruits instead.

14. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are refined grains that lack fiber, increasing blood sugar levels and the risk of developing heart disease and obesity. Cardiologists recommend whole-grain bread and pasta instead.

15. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar because they are calorie-free. However, research shows that consuming artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of developing heart disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

Cardiologists advise avoiding artificial sweeteners altogether.