A bacon triple cheeseburger with an order of cheesy fries and a 64 -oz. soda pop may be delicious, but it can make you sick. The typical diet has become increasingly unhealthy, filled with fat and calories that raise the risks of developing life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cholesterol
A diet high in fat raises cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up in the bloodstream and can clog or completely block arteries. This can result in heart attack or stroke. Limit your total fat intake to 25 to 25 percent of your total calorie intake to lower your risk for heart disease, suggests MedlinePlus.
Fats
There are several types of dietary fats, some less healthy than others. Some fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, found in some types of fish, are good for your heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Unsaturated fat, like those found in olive or vegetable oil, is better for your heart than other types of fat. Saturated fats, present in meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products, are not heart-healthy and should be eaten in moderation. Trans fats are very unhealthy because trans fats lower "good" cholesterol and raise total cholesterol, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Sodium
A diet high in sodium can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for having a heart attack or stroke. Adding salt while cooking food and at the dinner table raises the sodium level of canned or processed foods, which are already high in salt. The American Heart Association suggests eating less than 1,500mg of sodium each day.
Calories
Diets high in calories can pack on the pounds, and obesity can lead to heart disease. Men should eat between 2,000 and 3,000 calories each day to maintain their weight, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while women should ingest 1,600 to 2,400 calories daily
Grains
A diet consisting of highly processed and refined grains, like white bread, do not contain the beneficial dietary fiber their whole-grain counterparts do. Foods containing insoluble fiber, like fresh vegetables and whole-wheat bread, are good for the digestive system and keep weight off. A diet high in soluble fiber, which includes oatmeal and lima beans, help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
