These Foods Can Raise Your Heart Attack Risk
By Sara Butler
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that someone dies of heart disease every 37 seconds in the U.S. That's a statistic that is quite scary, but there are things you can do to prevent heart disease from striking. Here's what you need to know to help reduce your risk of a heart attack and keep your ticker healthy.
You Are What You Eat
One of the ways you can have the biggest impact on your heart health is by wisely choosing what you eat. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that people keep their daily consumption of added sugar under 10 percent of their total calories. Salt is also something you should watch, as it contributes to high blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular disease. Saturated fats are on that list, too.
Foods high in salt, saturated fat, and sugar are terrible for your heart and can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. With that in mind, there are a few foods that have all of these things that you should try to cut from your diet, enjoying them only occasionally.
French Fries
French fries are a staple in the American diet, which is part of the reason that heart disease runs so rampant. They're filled with fat and salt as well as processed carbohydrates that are terrible for your health. They contribute to unhealthy body weight and can increase your blood cholesterol levels to boot.
Baked Goods
While pies and cookies taste delicious, they're also full of added sugar and saturated fat. Plus, they have no real nutritional value, so they're only taking up space in your diet where healthier, more nutrient dense foods should be.
Pizza
Pizza is another common food in the American diet, but it's full of saturated fat. You don't have to swear off pizza altogether but try only having one slice and pairing it with a healthy salad to help increase your fiber intake and keep you feeling satisfied.
Candy
The average Americans eats 22 pounds of candy each year. That's mind-boggling! Candy is sugar and adds no nutritional value to your diet. Plus, it can add fat deposits to your body, which puts you at a higher risk of developing heart disease that can lead to a heart attack.
Take care of your heart by making good food choices.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rowlett, Tex.