As appealing as it is, unhealthy food is among the greatest opponents of heart health. And as a cardiologist, there’s one kind of unhealthy food in specific that you’ll never ever see me consuming: chips.
From nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips to crispy corn puffs to potato crisps, these are a few of the most popular treats in the U.S. But they are high in ingredients and low in fiber and other advantageous nutrients.
Over the course of a year, consuming simply one snack-sized bag of chips (about an ounce) every day might put about a 3/4 cup of salt into your body, while amounting to 15 pounds. Too much salt can raise your high blood pressure, and substantial weight gain can negatively impact your cholesterol and blood glucose.
But you do not need to wait a year to see an impact. Studies reveal that consuming bad quality foods adversely impacts capillary function within hours of intake.
Luckily, there are fantastic options. When I wish to prevent unhealthy food, here’s what I consume rather for a healthy heart:
1. Hummus with veggies
About half a cup of hummus is the calorie equivalent of a little bag of Cheetos orDoritos
Add in some veggies for dipping (basically no calories), and you have a significant treat that’s high in fiber, healthy fats and protein.
2. Raw nuts
An ounce of nearly any nut range has about 165 calories. Avoid the salted tastes, and you get all the dietary advantages without the salt load.
If you’re not utilized to consuming raw nuts, attempt mixing equivalent parts raw and equivalent parts salted. You’re not likely to determine a huge distinction in taste, however you will have cut your salt consumption in half.
3. Fruit
Two little bananas or 3 oranges is the calorie equivalent of a little bag of chips. You’ll get lots of vitamins, anti-oxidants and fiber, too.
We frequently grab chips not since we’re starving, however since we’re tired, require a pick-me-up, or are merely yearning them. But they are bad factors for taking in something that’s actively undermining your efforts to enhance heart health.
Instead, search for choices that have entire food fiber, omega-3 fats, anti-oxidants and plant sterols that assist lower cholesterol.
I frequently think of this quote from food author Michael Pollan: “If you’re hungry, eat an apple. If you don’t want the apple, you’re not hungry.”
Dr Elizabeth Klodas is a preventative cardiologist and creator of Step One Foods Trained at Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins,Dr Klodas has released lots of clinical short articles throughout her profession, and just recently authored a complimentary guide to cholesterol management and statins called “Which Cholesterol Lowering Option is Right for Me?“
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