Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and it’s largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, including diet. Heart doctors recommend avoiding certain foods to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Here are 20 foods that heart doctors avoid at all costs:.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, are high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. These meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

2. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as French fries and fried chicken, are high in trans fats, which increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. These foods are also typically high in calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.

3. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, are high in added sugars and calories. These drinks have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

4. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks, such as chips and crackers, are typically high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. These snacks can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain, all of which increase your risk of heart disease.

5. High-Sugar Foods

High-sugar foods, such as candy and pastries, are high in calories and can contribute to diabetes, weight gain, and other health problems. These foods should be consumed in moderation.

6. Margarine

Margarine is a processed food that is high in trans fats. These fats increase your risk of heart disease by raising your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering your HDL (good) cholesterol.

7. Fast Food

Fast food is typically high in sodium, calories, and unhealthy fats. Eating fast food regularly has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

8. Red Meat

Red meat, such as beef and lamb, is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.

They also contain heme iron, which can increase your risk of heart disease, especially if you already have high levels of iron in your body.

9. Alcohol

Consuming too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, both of which increase your risk of heart disease. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, if at all.

Related Article 15 foods that cardiologists never eat

10. Full-Fat Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and cheese, are high in saturated fat and calories. These products can contribute to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and weight gain, all of which increase your risk of heart disease.

11. Trans Fats

Trans fats are often found in processed foods, such as desserts, snacks, and fried foods. These fats increase your risk of heart disease by raising your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering your HDL (good) cholesterol.

Always read food labels to avoid trans fats.

12. Canned or Processed Soups

Canned or processed soups are typically high in sodium and preservatives. Consuming high amounts of sodium can increase your blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

13. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are high in caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. These drinks can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to heart problems, especially when consumed in excess.

14. Commercial Baked Goods

Commercial baked goods, such as cakes and cookies, are high in sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats. These foods can contribute to weight gain and high blood pressure, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

15. Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils, such as corn and soybean oil, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

16. High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods, such as processed meats, canned soups, and frozen dinners, can contribute to high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease.

17. Candy Bars

Candy bars are high in sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats. These foods can contribute to weight gain and high blood pressure, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

18. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are refined grains that are low in fiber and nutrients. These foods can contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

19. Foods High in Added Sugars

Foods high in added sugars, such as soda and candy, can contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

20. Non-Dairy Creamers

Non-dairy creamers are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and preservatives. Switch to a healthier alternative, such as almond milk or coconut cream, instead.