Diet Soda
Sugary sodas are fairly well-known as bad news. It’s no secret that these are on the warning list of beverages that aren’t great for your heart. Because of this, some may rightfully assume that a diet soda is a safer option.
Cold Cuts/Deli Meat
It’s normal to get excited about a delicious toasted sub with slices of ham from the local deli and all of your favorite toppings. The bad news is that deli meat (or cold cuts) has been proven to greatly increase your risk of heart disease. A 2020 study found that eating processed meats just two times a week could heighten your risk by 3-7%.
Boxed Pasta
Pulling out a box of pasta at home is one of the easiest dinner options on those busy evenings. What you might not realize, though, is that processed carbohydrates are risky when it comes to damaging your heart health. Processed carbs like pasta, white bread, and white rice are all known as high GI foods (high glycemic index). Foods like these are known to raise the glucose levels in your body to dangerous amounts.
Energy Bars
Yes, some energy bars are healthier than others. But you need to be careful—just because a company advertises themselves as “healthy,” it doesn’t always mean it’s true. If you’re going to reach for the energy bar, check out the back of the box to make sure you can read and pronounce the ingredients. Many energy bars are made with corn syrups, citric acids, and added sugars.
Red Meat
This one can be sad for all the steak lovers out there. For many years, red meat has been heavily debated on the subject of heart disease. Recently, a chemical called Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO for short) has been discovered as an ingredient in red meat that can cause damage to the heart and increase your risk of heart disease.
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