Dr Lauren Baldwin, a cardiologist, has issued a stark warning about six types of food that could increase the risk of heart disease. She highlighted red meat, processed meats, cinema popcorn, and fast food as being particularly harmful to cardiovascular health.
Speaking to ABC, she explained that crisps and other processed foods lack essential vitamins and nutrients, leading to an increased risk of heart disease.
On the topic of fast food, she cautioned: “Many restaurants still use what is known as trans fats. They are the least healthy as they increase cholesterol level.”
In addition to ultra-processed foods and sugary snacks, Dr Baldwin also advised against consuming most meats, including pork and beef, due to their high content of saturated fats and cholesterol. She said: “Red meat, including pork, has a higher content of saturated fats and cholesterol.”
She further explained that recent research suggests these meats contain nutrients that produce Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when broken down by the gut, a compound linked to an increased risk of artery hardening, heart attacks and strokes, reports Surrey Live.
Cinema popcorn made the list not only for its high salt content, but also because it often contains coconut oil, which is rich in saturated fats that can raise bad cholesterol levels. This is exacerbated if the popcorn is loaded with butter, usually flavoured with palm oil.
While heart specialists like Lauren are advising people on what to steer clear of, other experts are identifying the foods that could significantly boost one’s heart health. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that swapping animal proteins for plant-based ones could have a huge positive impact.
After examining 203,000 individuals over three decades, it was found that those with the highest ratio of plant to animal protein were 27 percent less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. While further research is required to fully establish this link, senior author Frank Hu suggested that plant-based proteins are healthier.
He advised: “Most of us need to begin shifting our diets toward plant-based proteins. We can do so by cutting down on meat, especially red and processed meats, and eating more legumes and nuts.”
Cinema popcorn was warned against because of its oil and salt content (stock)
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High-protein plants include lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and Mycoprotein. In addition to plant-based protein, AXA Health’s chief medical officer, Dr John Burke, suggested other ways to enhance heart health, as reported by the Daily Express.
Dr Burke recommended: “Eat oily fish twice a week. Fish such as mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna and salmon are an excellent source of omega-3 fats, which can help protect your heart against disease.”
Omega 3 fats have been highlighted by health experts for their role in shielding the heart and blood vessels against diseases. They are touted to enhance circulation, reduce the likelihood of blood clots, and bring down hypertension levels.
On the other hand, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are packed with fibre, an essential element that helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check—a vital factor for cardiac wellness. “Quinoa is a gluten-free grain alternative that offers a range of health benefits as it is packed with fibre, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants,” explained Dr Burke.