Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
It’s not always the norm that whatever looks healthy is healthy for your body.
In this fast-moving lifestyle, we are all into having processed and packaged foods, and we do not pay much attention to checking out the list of ingredients used.
You will be shocked to read the list as some included ingredients are not healthy but still have become a regular part of our everyday meals.
For example, bread is the most common breakfast meal which is used in making sandwiches and toast, but bread is not a source of nutritional value to us.
Similarly, salt, juices and canned sauces are always there on our table but are increasing the risk of heart diseases.
Whereas adding vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products can make the heart healthy and risk-free.
Here we have created a list of healthy-looking unhealthy foods that you must avoid.
White bread
White bread can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. White bread is made from highly processed flour, and it has additives that contribute to heart disease.
Thus, bread becomes an unhealthy food. Bread contains starch that can cause stomach related illnesses like acid reflux, indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Bread also increases the blood sugar level in the body. Also, white bread has a low level of protein and fibre, which slows the digestion process.
Different varieties of bread are available in the market, like brown and whole-grain bread, but they are no less than white bread in terms of the lack of nutrition.
Salt
Salt is a crucial component of any meal. However, excessive amounts of salt can elevate the risk of high blood pressure, which can eventually lead to heart failure and heart attack, enlarged heart muscle, headaches, kidney disease, kidney stones, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and even stroke.
Also, excessive salt intake can make you dehydrated and thirsty. So, you must balance salt intake for good heart health.
Packaged juices
Many of us are unaware that packaged juices stuff us with so much sugar in the name of juices.
Nowadays, juice outlets and restaurants add sugar and syrups to make it more presentable and flavorful which is harmful and decreases the real essence of the fruit.
So why not make juices at home so that you have the best and real juices for yourself.
Cereals
Most people believe that cereals are beneficial for their hearts, however, this is one of the most common misconceptions.
Early in the morning, loading your plate with refined cereals and sugar (these cereals come with a lot of sugar) is a prescription for disaster.
You should switch cereals with poha, barley roti, sevai, etc.
Plant-based fats
Plant-based fats which are primarily used in vanaspati ghee and dalda ghee are the worst type of plant-based fats, that can easily raise the risk to the heart.
Vanaspati ghee can be replaced with organic ghee which is comprised of healthy fats and if you are eating oil then unrefined seed-based oils are also good.
Rice
Rice is the most loved food in India. Dishes like biryani, steamed rice and khichdi are very popular in every Indian household.
Rice is also used in making different snacks and desserts, but there are different health risks related to rice intake.
Many cardiologists have warned that rice contains a high quantity of starch and if you consume it in excess it may increase your risk of diabetes.
Soda
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and weight gain are all linked to drinking soda or high-sugar soft drinks.
However, drinks can harm your teeth, potentially leading to cavities and even apparent tooth rot.
The amount of sugar in soda combines with microorganisms in your mouth to generate acid when you drink it.
So this summer, don’t get tempted to that flavoured soda to beat the heat.
Final thoughts
Developing a healthy eating habit is the best thing you can do for yourself.
You might not have known the hidden risk factors about the above-mentioned food items which you believed are healthy.
So take baby steps and start avoiding these foods from our diet to avoid heart illnesses, obesity, diabetes and more.
For a healthy heart, it is necessary to adopt healthy food habits. From now on, before buying any packaged food, read the ingredients thoroughly and avoid if they contain any unhealthy components that can raise heart risks.
Also, to minimize the risks of cardiac illnesses and complications, you should also opt for regular preventive heart checkups.
These health checks can provide you with a comprehensive insight into your heart’s health, allowing you to take necessary precautions to keep your heart healthy.
