A leading cardiologist, Dr Lauren Baldwin, has issued a stark warning about six types of food that could be detrimental to heart health.
Speaking to ABC, she highlighted the dangers of consuming red meat, processed meats, cinema popcorn, and fast food, which are all considered to be incredibly harmful to cardiovascular wellbeing.
Dr Baldwin pointed out that crisps and other processed foods lack essential vitamins and nutrients, increasing the risk of heart disease. She emphasised that such snacks provide “calories without vitamins, minerals, and fibre that the body needs”.
On the topic of fast food, Dr Baldwin warned: “Many restaurants still use what is known as trans fats. They are the least healthy as they increase cholesterol level.”
She also advised against most meats, including pork and beef, due to their high saturated fats and cholesterol content. Dr Baldwin explained: “Red meat, including pork, has a higher content of saturated fats and cholesterol.
“Recent research also suggests it contains nutrients that produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when broken down by the gut. This compound has been linked to an increased risk of artery hardening, heart attacks and strokes.”, reports Surrey Live.
Cinema popcorn was also on Dr Baldwin’s list of foods to avoid, not just because of its high salt content, but also because “it often contains coconut oil, rich in saturated fats that can raise bad cholesterol levels. Worse if they’re loaded with butter, which is usually flavoured palm oil”.
Cardiology professionals, including experts like Lauren, caution against certain things while highlighting beneficial dietary choices for heart health. A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recently revealed the potential cardiovascular benefits of embracing plant-based proteins over animal ones.
Analysing data from 203,000 individuals across three decades, researchers found that those with a higher plant to animal protein ratio had a 27 percent reduced risk of coronary heart disease. While further confirmation is necessary, senior author Frank Hu emphasised the advantages of vegetarian proteins.
He argued: “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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Some top plant proteins listed include lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and Mycoprotein. Moreover, AXA Health’s chief medical officer Dr John Burke, as per Daily Express reports, suggested additional methods for boosting heart health.
In particular, Dr Burke endorsed: “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 emerged as life-savers for heart and blood vessel health, with capabilities to boost circulation, reduce clotting risk, and dial down blood pressure levels.
Similarly, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are renowned for their substantial fibre content, which plays a notable role in managing blood pressure and cholesterol—a vital aspect for cardiac wellbeing.
“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,” commented Dr Burke on the matter.