Straight from the mouths of cardiologists and a heart health nutritionist.
Heart disease is theleading cause of death in the United States.
A few simple tweaks can go a long way.
While bacon is the greatest offender,Dr.
Ingredients used to make these foods include sodium and nitrites.
Dr. Daniel Luger, a preventive cardiologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, echoed this.
All refined carbohydrates increase your circulating glucose and triglyceride levels, he said.
White bread is stripped of all of the healthy fiber and nutrients.
Whats left is pure sugar.
), he said.
French Fries
In especially devastating news, french fries arent doing your heart any favors.
What Should You Eat Instead?
You know what you shouldnt be eating.
But which foods can improve heart health?
I highly recommend increased consumption of legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans, Luger said.
Legumes are high in healthy fiber and help promote satiety, regulate bowel movements and feed healthy gut bacteria.
Also, legumes can easily be made in bulk and are great for weekday meals.
If youre able to squeeze flaxseeds and almonds into your diet, Routhenstein recommended doing that.
When it comes to grains, choosing the right ones is key, according to Routhenstein.
Their high fiber content regulates blood sugar levels and supports a healthy gut, contributing to overall heart health.
Keeping your heart healthy is a lifelong journey, and diet is only part of the picture.
Routhenstein, Luger and Setareh-Shenas all emphasized the importance of regular exercise and avoiding habits like smoking.
But skipping the bacon, white bread and french fries whenever possible is a great place to start.
This article originally appeared onHuffPost.
