SOMETIMES it is easy to overlook the harmful effects that can come with seemingly harmless products. However, if we’re looking after our health, it’s important to pay attention to what we add to our plate, especially when it comes to heart health. There are several common foods that we should replace with some healthier alternatives.
Dietitian Jesse Feder discovered three foods that clog arteries and are bad for heart health.
1. Whole milk
Whole milk can be creamy and delicious, but high fat content, especially saturated fat, can cause problems for our heart.
“A high amount of saturated fat can contribute to increased levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol,” Feder tells SheFinds. Elevated LDL levels are known to clog arteries, which then contributes to cardiovascular problems. Instead, the dietitian recommends opting for reduced-fat milk or an alternative such as almond milk.
2. Cheese with a high fat content
Although delicious, cheese can be a significant source of saturated fat and calories. Cheeses with a high fat content, such as cheddar and Swiss, can be the most harmful to our heart health.
“I recommend reduced-fat cheese to reduce calories, fat and saturated fat,” advises the dietician. Some options include low-fat Gouda, goat cheese, or feta cheese.
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3. Coconut oil
Despite the fact that it has been touted as a healthy option in recent years, coconut oil is not so good for the heart, says Feder. “Instead of coconut oil, I recommend using avocado or olive oil because they are much lower in saturated fat,” he said.
Although coconut oil can have its place in certain recipes, using olive oil is a better option because it is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Of course, it’s important to remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that an extremely restrictive diet can be harmful to health in the long run. It’s usually okay to indulge in your favorite foods once in a while.
However, by making informed choices and replacing artery-clogging ingredients with healthier alternatives, we can take proactive steps toward keeping our hearts healthy.
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