TOP TEN of the food more ‘deadly’ for heart health: the processed meatthe fried foodthe sugary drinks or the packaged soups can affect cardiovascular health. An unhealthy diet and the lack of exercise cause the heart aging.
Cardiovascular disease affects 26.5% of the population in Spain. Risk factors that negatively affect this organ include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or a sedentary lifestyle.
We must take care of this vital organ through healthy eating. While many foods offer heart benefits, there are also others that, if consumed in excess, can increase the risk of heart disease cardiovascular disease.
These are the TOP TEN foods that are harmful to the heart:
- Processed meat: Cold cuts, sausages, frankfurters, bacon and other processed meats contain high levels of saturated fat, sodium and some additives that can increase cholesterol levels, blood pressure and therefore the risk of a heart attack.
- red meat: Despite being a source of protein and iron, excessive consumption of red meat, especially fatty varieties, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease due to its high saturated fat content.
- Fried Foods: French fries, fritters, fried foods and other fried foods, especially those fried with industrial oils, are high in fat. trans and can increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. In addition, they are often high in salt or sugar and contain many calories, which can increase the risk of obesity, increase blood pressure and cause heart problems.
- sugary drinks: Sodas, packaged juices, energy drinks and other beverages high in added sugar contribute to weight gain, diabetes and other risk factors for heart disease.
- Industrial pastry products: Cookies, cakes, ice cream, chocolates, industrial pastries and other similar products usually contain fats. transadded sugar and empty calories, which, like fried foods, can negatively impact heart health.
- Sugary cereals: Many breakfast cereals, especially those for children, contain high levels of added sugars. Choose low-sugar whole grains and add fresh fruit or nuts for a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
- Packaged pasta, soups and creams: Many packaged soups and creams contain high sodium levels, which can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart problems.
- Commercial sauces: Some commercial sauces, such as ketchup and mayonnaise, or salad dressings can contain high levels of sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats, which if consumed in excess can affect heart health.
- Salty snacks: Chips, crackers, pretzels and other salty snacks like salted and fried nuts are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Excess alcohol: Although up to one alcoholic drink per day can be heart-protective, excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, weaken the heart muscle and contribute to other health problems that affect the heart.
You can enjoy these foods occasionally and in small portions, as long as a diet is rich in fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes), whole and lightly processed grains, and lean protein sources, such as skinless fish or poultry and legumes.
Why does the heart age?
The heart is especially sensitive to poor diet and lack of exercise. When we eat too much fat, especially that which comes from land animals, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, our heart health suffers.and the changes observed in the heart are consistent with those of accelerated aging. Not having controlled blood pressure also works in this sense.
The heart is actually made of muscle, and muscle is one of the tissues where changes with aging are most visible.. To delay aging, it is important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. In the future it is possible that we will have medicine that may slow the degeneration of the heart due to age, but many tests still need to be done.
Despite Genetics also plays a role in cardiovascular healthNowadays it is difficult to calculate what percentage is genetic and what depends on the environment, because both dimensions have an important influence. We still don’t know how to precisely measure the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.; therefore, The best thing we can all do is try to live the healthiest life possible..