10 Healthy Foods You Must Avoid For Better Cardiovascular Health

Surprisingly, even some foods marketed or considered as “healthy” can be harmful to individuals with heart issues. The term “healthy” is often generalised, but not all health foods are heart-friendly. Some may be high in sodium, sugar, or unhealthy fats, or may trigger inflammation, raise blood pressure, or disturb cholesterol levels in sensitive individuals. For those with cardiovascular concerns, it's important to look beyond labels and understand the full nutritional profile. What benefits one person may negatively impact another, especially when managing conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Keep reading as we share a list of healthy foods you can avoid if you have heart issues.

10 Healthy foods you must avoid for better cardiovascular health

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Heart-Healthy Diet:

1. Granola and granola bars

Though marketed as a wholesome snack, granola often contains high levels of added sugars and oils. These can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain, increasing stress on the heart and contributing to inflammation and arterial damage.

2. Low-fat yogurt

Low-fat yogurts may seem like a smart choice, but many are packed with added sugars to make up for flavour loss. High sugar intake can raise triglyceride levels and increase the risk of heart disease over time.

3. Canned vegetables and soups

While vegetables are healthy, the canned versions often come loaded with sodium for preservation. Excessive sodium can spike blood pressure, which is dangerous for individuals with heart conditions.

4. Vegetable oils

These oils are often touted as heart-healthy alternatives, but they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which in excess can promote inflammation, a key contributor to heart disease.

5. Whole wheat bread

Whole wheat is a better choice than white bread, but many commercial whole wheat breads contain added sugar and high sodium levels. The glycemic impact can also affect blood sugar and weight management.

6. Sports and electrolyte drinks

These drinks are often promoted for hydration and recovery, but they're typically full of sugars and sodium. For people with heart issues, they may do more harm than good, especially when not paired with intense exercise.

7. Trail mixes

While nuts and dried fruits are healthy, packaged trail mixes usually contain salted nuts, sugary dried fruits, and even chocolate or candy, which increase sodium and sugar levels—harmful for the heart.

8. Plant-based meats

These are growing in popularity, but many are highly processed and high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives. They may help with cholesterol when compared to red meat, but still aren't ideal for those with cardiovascular risks.

9. Smoothie bowls

Packed with fruits, granola, and honey, smoothie bowls often end up being sugar bombs. Even though the ingredients are natural, the total sugar content can be excessive and harmful to heart health.

10. Dried fruits

They're nutrient-dense, but drying concentrates sugar. Many store-bought versions also have added sugars and preservatives like sulphites, which can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to heart disease.

Avoid these foods if you wish to improve your heart health.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.