BEWARE! 9 Foods That Are Slowly Killing Your HEART
Our heart is arguably the most vital organ of the body system. Heart diseases are mostly caused by the kinds of food we eat at every stage of life. Therefore it is important that we know what to eat and what not to eat. The foods listed below should be avoided because they have negative effect on the heart. The 9 foods listed below have negative effect on our heart so we should avoid eating them.
TOMATO SAUCE
It is true that half cup of Hunter’s Tomato sauce packs a whopping 830 milligrams of sodium—which is more than you’d find in 97 Cheez-It crackers! To keep your blood pressure from spiking, look for jars of tomato sauce with fewer than 350 milligrams per half-cup serving. Both Amy’s Light in Sodium Organic Family Marinara and Ragu Light No Sugar Added Tomato & Basil fit the bill.
SAUSAGE
Processed meats (which includes bacon, ham, and hot dogs) has been proven to increase your risk of heart failure. But contrary to popular belief, Etherton says bacon isn’t the worst of the bunch. Sausage has a slight edge due to its higher saturated fat content, so you can feel marginally better about ordering a side of bacon strips over a side of sausage links for breakfast.
CANNED VEGETABLES
Veggies may be a cornerstone of a blood-pressure-friendly diet, but not the ones that come out of a can. The preservatives and sauces that keep the vitamin-filled veggies company inside the container are packed with sodium. Look for “no salt added” or “low sodium” options and be sure to rinse your veggies thoroughly before digging in.
POTATO & CORN CHIPS
There’s a lot of stuff health experts hate about your chips. They’re packed with carbs, sometimes high in trans fat, and, worst of all, swimming in sodium. And while your doctor is never going to be completely okay with a category of snacks literally dubbed junk food, Etherton recommends you read the labels so you can at least pick out a less gluttonous option. Also, maybe eat less than 10 servings in one sitting.
FROZEN MEALS
Frozen dinners may be quick and easy options when you’re time strapped, but they’re also loaded with sodium. Yes, even the healthy-sounding options. Two prime examples: Lean Cuisine’s Roasted Chicken and Garden Vegetables packs 620 milligrams of sodium and Special K’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Flatbread Breakfast Sandwich carries 700 milligrams—or just under half a day’s worth. When you’re in the freezer aisle, look for meals with less than 500 milligrams per serving.