When your cardiovascular health is of concern to you, it's important to know about which foods are known for hindering your heart health. These foods are known as not being "heart healthy," a term developed by the American Heart Association. Ranging from certain foods to the methods used to prepare foods, there are a variety of subjects to become familiar with to increase overall health functioning.
Egg Yolks
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, egg yolks contain 212mg of harmful LDL cholesterol. They also contain 1.5g of saturated fat, which can add up fast if you need to watch your saturated fat intake. Instead of eating yolks, eat the egg whites or buy an egg replacement product as recommended by the American Heart Association.
Fried Foods
Whenever you eat fried foods, you increase your risk of raising your harmful cholesterol levels. These foods are best avoided if you're concerned about your cardiovascular health, the USDA says. Frying is not considered a heart-healthy cooking method, according to the American Heart Association. Instead, choose from a variety of beneficial cooking methods. Choose steaming, poaching, broiling and grilling.
Deep-fried foods are included in the fried foods category. The Mayo Clinic advises against eating deep-fried foods due to the fact that they usually use shortening and/or partially hydrogenated oils. These frying agents contain trans fats, which have been shown to increase your harmful cholesterol while also decreasing your beneficial cholesterol levels, the Mayo Clinic says. Fast foods, restaurant-prepared meals, snack foods and a number of processed foods may be deep fried.
Whole Fat Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are a good source of protein, the USDA says, but the whole-fat versions can contain saturated fats and harmful cholesterol that can play havoc with your cardiovascular health. Instead of whole-fat dairy foods, choose the low-fat or nonfat versions. Low-fat versions include skim and 1 percent fat content. Dairy foods include milk, ice cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, hard cheeses such as cheddar and Parmesan, Swiss cheese, American Processed cheese, sour cream and yogurt. Instead of whole-fat butter (which contains high levels of cholesterol and saturated fats as cited by nutritiondata.com), choose margarine.
Dairy creamers are best avoided because they contain partially hydrogenated oils, the American Heart Association says. Partially hydrogenated oils are classified as trans fats. Even in small amounts, these oils are known for spiking harmful cholesterol levels.
Commercially Prepared Baked Foods
The American Heart Association says to avoid a long list of commercially prepared baked goods. These foods traditionally are baked using shortening and/or partially hydrogenated oils, otherwise known as trans fats. These include cheesecakes, cookies, cakes, croissants, pies, brownies and pastries.
Meats
Red meats such as beef, lamb, pork and veal, according to nutritiondata.com, can contain large amounts of cholesterol. Choose lean protein such as poultry, fish and soy foods instead.
Processed meats that can be bought from your deli or cold cuts section are known to contain large amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, the USDA says. These meats include hot dogs, ham, all varieties of sausage, lunch meats and deli cuts.
Fast Foods
Even though fast-food establishments are serving more heart-healthy menu items, the eateries are still known for selling foods that are high in harmful cholesterol and saturated fats, the American Heart Association says.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Release 20, USDA; 2008
- Mayo Clinic
