People with heart ailments may help to reverse their heart problems by eating a heart-healthy diet and avoiding processed, "empty" foods. To regulate weight, blood sugar and lipid levels, and heart functioning, it is important to avoid foods high in cholesterol, sodium, refined flour and sugar, and certain fats.
Sodium
Heart patients should avoid consuming foods with a lot of sodium because it can exacerbate symptoms of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart healthy adults should eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about a teaspoon), while those with high blood pressure should consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day.
Sodium is hidden in many pre-packaged and canned foods. It can be particularly high in condiments such as ketchup, salad dressings and sauces like soy sauce. Even reduced-sodium versions of these foods should only be eaten in moderation as they may still contain a fair amount of salt. Processed and packaged meats and cheeses, eggs, ham, chips, cookies, and crackers may also contain high amounts of sodium. It is advisable to avoid adding table salt to your food. Substitute salt-free spices instead.
Cholesterol
Adults who are taking cholesterol-lowering medication and those with high levels of the "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) should consume less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol a day (compared to 300 milligrams for heart healthy adults). It is important to avoid foods high in cholesterol such as liver, beef, pork, sausage, chicken and turkey giblets, cream cheese, eggs, butter, cheese made from whole milk, and ice cream.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are partially hydrogenated oils that are added to foods. In healthy adults, these fats increase the risk for developing heart disease and diabetes. In heart patients, they can worsen an existing heart-related condition. Trans fats are particularly common in processed soups, packaged mixes (cake and biscuit mixes), margarine, shortening, and butter spreads, fast food, commercially baked goods (donuts, croissants), supermarket cookies and cakes, cereals, crackers, chips and dips.
Saturated Fats
Foods high in saturated fats raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Heart patients should avoid eating and cooking with foods and oils high in saturated fat, including solid fats like butter, margarine, and shortening and plant oils such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil. Other foods that should be avoided are duck, pork, chicken (with skin), beef, lamb, whole milk and dairy products made from whole milk (cheese, ice cream), mayonnaise, cookies, cakes, and chips.
Added Sugars
The American Heart Association warns that added sugars in food are contributing to heart disease and obesity. Heart patients should read food labels closely to avoid consuming items made with large amounts of corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, honey and other sugars. Other foods known to contain a lot of added sugar include ketchup, barbecue sauce, cream substitutes, flavored liqueurs, baked beans, fortune cookies, and dried sweetened cranberries.
Refined White Flour
Refined white flour lacks the nutritional value found in whole grains and wheat flour which provide fiber and nutrients that help us to regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Refined white flour is broken down quickly by the body into simple sugar, leading to the over-production of insulin and the promotion of fat storage. Thus, foods made from refined white flour can lead to or worsen existing problems with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It is best to avoid or limit foods made from refined white flour such as white pastas, potato chips, egg noodles and muffins. Unless a product label reads "100 percent whole wheat flour," it may contain some refined flour.
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