Our diet plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. Eating too much of certain foods can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Consuming these foods in moderation is essential, but how much is too much? Here is a list of 30 tasty foods that raise cardiovascular risk by 10%, and expert guidelines on how much you can consume without affecting your health.
Foods that raise cardiovascular risk
The following foods can cause an increase in heart diseases and stroke:.
1. Processed meats
Foods such as bacon, sausages, and salami are high in salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases. Eating less than 70g of processed meats per day is recommended.
2. Deep-fried foods
Deep-fried foods such as fried chicken and French fries are high in saturated and trans fats, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
3. Soda and sugary drinks
Soda and sugary drinks are high in calories and sugar, which can lead to obesity and an increased risk of heart diseases. Drinks like these should be consumed in moderation.
4. Red meat
Red meat is high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and iron, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Consuming less than 500g of red meat per week is recommended.
5. Cheese
Cheeses are high in saturated fats and sodium, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
6. Artificially sweetened products
Artificially sweetened products, such as diet sodas and sugar-free candies, can increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Experts recommend consuming these products in moderation.
7. Canned fruit
Canned fruits are often coated in a high sugar syrup, which can increase the risk of obesity and heart diseases. Consuming fresh fruits is recommended.
8. Salted nuts
Nuts are a healthy snack, but salted nuts can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases. Consuming unsalted nuts is recommended.
9. Margarine
Margarine is high in trans fats, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart diseases. Consuming in moderation is recommended.
10. Commercial bakery products
Commercial bakery products, such as pastries and cakes, are high in sugar, calories, and saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
11. Potato chips
Potato chips are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
12. Pizza
Pizza is high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
13. Ice cream
Ice cream is high in sugar, calories, and saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
14. Fast food
Fast food is high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
15. Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation in the body and increase the risk of heart diseases. Experts recommend using olive or canola oil instead.
16. Energy drinks
Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart diseases. Drinking in moderation is recommended.
17. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart diseases. Drinking in moderation is recommended.
18. Crackers and pretzels
Crackers and pretzels are high in salt and refined carbohydrates, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
19. Canned soups
Canned soups are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases. Consuming low-sodium options is recommended.
20. White bread
White bread is high in refined carbohydrates, which can increase blood sugar levels and the risk of heart diseases. Eating whole-grain bread is recommended.
21. Breakfast cereals
Breakfast cereals are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can increase blood sugar levels and the risk of heart diseases. Choosing low-sugar options is recommended.
22. Popcorn with butter
Popcorn is a healthy snack, but adding butter can increase the calorie and saturated fat content, leading to an increased risk of heart diseases. Consuming popcorn without added butter is recommended.
23. Cakes and cookies
Cakes and cookies are high in sugar, calories, and saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
24. Bacon
Bacon is high in sodium and saturated fats, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, leading to the risk of heart diseases. Consuming in moderation is recommended.
25. Cream cheese
Cream cheese is high in saturated fats and calories, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
26. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is high in calories and unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Consuming in moderation is recommended.
27. Syrups and toppings
Syrups and toppings, such as chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream, are high in sugar and calories, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating in moderation is recommended.
28. Butter
Butter is high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart diseases. Consuming in moderation is recommended.
29. Fried seafood
Fried seafood, such as shrimp and fish, can be high in unhealthy fats and calories, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Eating grilled or baked seafood is recommended.
30. Condensed milk
Condensed milk is high in sugar and calories, which can increase the risk of heart diseases. Using low-fat or skimmed milk is recommended.
Expert guidelines on consumption
Consuming these foods in moderation is key. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume less than 2300mg of sodium per day and less than 10% of calories from saturated fats per day.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 50g of sugar per day.
The amount of food an individual can consume should be based on their age, sex, and physical activity level. This should be determined under the guidance of a registered dietitian.
Monitoring the amount of food consumed, avoiding added sugars, and choosing whole foods can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.