For a healthy heart, avoid these 5 foods during summer

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial year-round, but summer’s heat can pose additional challenges.

Certain foods can exacerbate these challenges and increase the risk of heart problems. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the season by being a little careful. Let’s understand how certain foods can negatively impact your heart, and the ones you must avoid.

How unhealthy foods sabotage your heart

Several dietary culprits put your heart at risk, said Kanika Malhotra, Consultant Dietician & Diabetes Educator:

Unhealthy Fats: Saturated and trans fats raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, leading to plaque buildup in arteries. This condition, atherosclerosis, increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and sugary baked goods are high in these harmful fats.

Salt (Sodium): Excessive salt intake leads to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Processed foods often have high sodium content, even if they don’t taste salty.

Added Sugars: A diet high in added sugars promotes weight gain and inflammation, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

Sugary drinks, pastries, candies, and cereals are all packed with added sugars. (file)

Remember, moderation is key. Occasional treats are unlikely to cause harm. However, a regular diet of these unhealthy foods can significantly increase your risk of developing heart problems down the line.

5 summertime treats to limit for a healthy heart

Malhotra advised steering clear of these foods in the summer:

Samosas & Pakoras: These deep-fried delights may be tasty, but the frying process adds harmful fats to your diet. Opt for healthier snacks like grilled vegetables or air-popped popcorn.

Sweetened Lassi & Thandai: While these cooling drinks are refreshing, they can be loaded with sugar. Choose buttermilk lassi with mint or a homemade thandai with minimal added sugar for a heart-healthy alternative.

Red Meat Curries with Ghee: Rich curries with fatty red meat and generous amounts of ghee are tempting, but red meat is high in saturated fat, and ghee adds even more. Opt for healthier protein sources like chicken breast or lentils in your curries, and cook with a lighter oil.

Salty Pickles & Pappads: These tangy accompaniments can be a tastebud explosion, but they are often high in sodium. Limit these or find low-sodium alternatives to avoid putting extra strain on your heart.

Deep-fried Sweets: Jalebis and Imartis are classic summer treats, but the combination of deep-frying and sugary syrup is a recipe for heart trouble. Enjoy these sweets in moderation, or choose fresh fruit with a drizzle of honey for a heart-healthy dessert option.

By making mindful choices and opting for healthier alternatives, you can enjoy a delicious and heart-friendly summer diet.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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