Diet plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular and circulatory health. Many familiar daily foods pose a risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and accumulation of bad cholesterol.
Processed meat
Processed meats such as sausages, cold cuts, sausages, etc.) contain high sodium content, saturated fat, and chemical preservatives. High sodium content is a direct cause of high blood pressure.
Preservatives such as nitrate, when introduced into the body, can harden arteries and damage blood vessel walls. At the same time, saturated fat in this food group increases the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) index, promoting the formation of plaque in arteries.
Sugary drinks
Just consuming about 240ml of sugary drinks daily such as carbonated soft drinks, sweet tea, canned fruit juice, flavored coffee or energy drinks has significantly increased the risk of heart disease.
This drink contains a very large amount of added sugar, leading to weight gain, obesity and type 2 diabetes. These are factors that put great pressure on the heart. Regular consumption increases triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels, promoting the progression of atherosclerosis.
Refined starch
Refined starch includes white bread, regular pasta and baked goods, pastries. Through processing, they have removed the bran and germ layers - which contain most of the fiber and essential nutrients.
The body breaks down refined carbohydrates very quickly, causing spikes in blood sugar. This condition occurs frequently, easily leading to insulin resistance and damaging arteries.
In addition, consuming a lot of refined starch also stimulates the production of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL). Replacing them with whole grains will significantly improve cardiovascular indicators.
Super processed foods
Super processed foods such as packaged snacks, french fries, candies and fast food often have high energy density, contain a lot of sugar, sodium, saturated fat but are very poor in fiber and micronutrients.
The structure of ultra-processed foods easily stimulates excessive eating habits. Continuous consumption of this food group is directly related to an increase in the rate of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
