Okay, so we usually think of heart healthy foods as things that are good for us, but it's actually not always that simple. Some foods that seem okay can actually lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can cause problems like heart disease and strokes.
So, here's a list of ten foods that might cause artery problems, plus some changes you can make to stay safe:
1. Granola Bars
These bars are advertised as a fast way to feel energized and keep you going. They contain good ingredients like oats and nuts. However, many of them are full of sugar and palm oil. This junk can interfere with blood fats and result in bodily . Nobody that bloated.
A better option: Grab a few of plain nuts. Want to be even healthier? Create your own granola bars. That way, you get to measure how much sugar goes in.
2. Sweet Yogurt
- Strawberry, mango, vanilla yogurt, they seem like good choices. But many of these sweet yogurts can have almost as much sugar as a candy bar.
- A better option: Go for plain yogurt. Then, mix in some fresh fruit or a touch of real honey.
3. Bran Muffins
Because bran muffins are marketed as fiber rich foods, you might think you don't have to feel guilty about eating them. but they’re usually filled with sugar and oil, kinda like a healthy-looking donut.
A better option: Bake your own muffins. This way you can control all the ingredients. Try reducing the sugar and using fewer bad ingredients.
4. Juice from Fruits
Even if the label says 100% juice! it's mostly sugar and without enough fiber. This will give you some weight gain. Plus, it may throw off your usual blood sugar levels. No one dieting for a summer body wants that.
A better option: Eat a piece of fruit itself! You get to have all the fiber along with the sugar. This will allow your body to take in sugar at a normal pace.
5. Oil from Coconuts
These days people seem all about coconut oil. But the truth is coconut oil is full of not so good oils. Over time, this will hike up your cholesterol and create lots of plaque in your arteries.
A better option: Instead, use olive oil or avocado oil. They are better as oils for your heart.
6. Diet Soft Drinks
Diet drinks have no calories, so you probably might see them as harmless. But the fake sugars inside can mess with the good bacteria in your system. That may affect your body, including your arteries, in a bad way.
A better option: Drink real tea, without sugar. Or drink fizzy bubbly water.
7. Soup in a Can
Canned soup may seem like a handy option, but it usually has way too much salt. Too much salt means high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can cause your arteries to tighten up too fast.
A better option: Make soup on your own! Put in real herbs and veggies!
8. Milk without Fat
When the fat is taken out, the not so good milk fats may stay anyway.
A better option: Give almond, soy, or oat milk a try. Check to make sure there is no over added sugar. They got fewer calories and decent unsaturated fats.
9. Bread
White bread doesn’t have fiber. It also has an immediate impact on blood sugar count. This may cause fatty content to get stored inside your arteries as time passes.
A better option: Try to get wholegrain bread instead.
10. Butter Substitutes
A lot of butter has unhealthy oils. Other times, things they add to replace trans fats can drive up your cholesterol about as much as real butter.
A better option: Use olive oil or a natural nut butter substitute,
- Check the nutrition labels. This applies to things sold as healthy.
- Pick foods that aren’t overly processed as much as you can.
- In your diet, make sure you get your fiber from green vegetables, lean protein, and good fats.
- Keep away from sugar, processed grains, and refined oils.
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