Avoiding unhealthy eating habits is as important as exercise to protect your heart health. The main villains that increase the risk of heart attacks are:
1. Fried and deep-fried foods
Deep-fried foods (chicken fries, samosas, chips) are the main enemies of the heart. The trans fat contained in these increases the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body and causes blockages in the arteries.
2. Processed Meat
Processed meats such as sausage, bacon, and salami contain large amounts of salt and preservatives. This can raise blood pressure and cause irregular heartbeats.
3. Sugar and sweets
Excessive sugar consumption can not only increase weight gain, but also cause inflammation in the heart muscle. The excessive sugar content in sodas, soft drinks, and packet juices doubles the risk of heart attack.
4. Maida dishes
Foods made with maida like bread, biscuits, parathas, and pizza have no fiber at all. These quickly increase blood sugar levels and damage the health of the heart arteries.
5. Excessive salt
Excessive consumption of salt increases blood pressure (High BP). Since packet foods, pickles, and dried fish are very high in salt, heart patients should control these.
6. Fast food and vanaspati
Vanaspati (dalda), which is used in bakery desserts and other foods, is one of the things that causes fat to easily accumulate in the blood vessels. This obstructs the blood flow to the heart.
3 simple ways to protect the heart:
Choose good fats: Use coconut oil in moderation, and instead use olive oil or fat from nuts.
Fruits and vegetables: Include at least half of your daily diet with vegetables and fruits.
Omega-3: Fatty fish like sardines and mackerel are very good for heart health.
