Foods That Are Bad for Your Heart
By Sara Butler
It's time to take heart because what you have on your plate could have a big impact on your ticker. When you eat foods that contain heart-healthy nutrients, then you're giving your heart a boost. However, there are plenty of foods out there that do not benefit your heart at all. In fact, some foods can be downright detrimental to your heart health as well as your health overall.
If you care about your heart, then there are some foods you should swear off now. Here are a few to help you get started.
Deli Meats
Highly processed deli meats are terrible for your heart. Even versions that are lower in fat have been cured with sodium nitrate to prevent spoilage. Nitrates have been found in studies to be directly connected to chronic inflammation -- a big contributor to heart disease and the narrowing of the arteries.
Hot Dogs
Just like deli meats, hot dogs are cured. But they also have another not-so-heart-healthy thing going for them: They're full of fat. Picking lower-fat options won't really eliminate all the risk either, because then they're often high in salt. Salt can have an impact on your blood pressure and that can lead to damage to the cardiovascular system. The moral of this story: Hot dogs simply aren't good for you.
Low-Fat Salad Dressing
Salad is good for you, but what goes on top of it can make or break it when it comes to heart health. Low-fat dressings have a lot of hidden salt and sugar, which makes them a terrible option for your heart health. That's because, when fat is removed, something must be added to make it more palatable -- and that something is often sugar and salt.
Fat-Free Peanut Butter
Believe it or not, full fat, natural peanut butter is actually pretty healthy for you. It's a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. If you opt for lower-fat or fat-free peanut butter, then you're not really cutting calories but cutting heart-healthy fat. Plus, when the fat is taken from the peanut butter it's usually simply replaced with sugar, which is not good for you either. Best stick with the traditional version of the favorite and watch your serving size.
Making good choices for your heart is important, so stay away from things you know are bad for it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.