5 things you shouldn’t eat and drink too often if you want to take good care of your heart

You probably know that broccoli is better for your heart and your health than a frikandel speciaal (not to mention the danger of choking on a frikandel!). But of course there are many more foods you shouldn’t eat too often if you want to keep an eye on your old ticker…

And it’s certainly not the case that if you eat one of these things once, you should beat yourself up or punish yourself with, for goodness’ sake, a juice cleanse, as food platform Delish also writes. It’s simply advisable to make sure you’re not dependent on these products or eating huge quantities of them on a regular basis.

But honestly, is there anyone who is really so fond of margarine that they eat dangerous amounts of it? I didn’t think so, but you never know for sure. Still, in an attempt to slightly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, specialized sports dietitian Kelly Jones says you’re better off not eating these things too often:

Energy drinks

The makers of energy drinks would have you believe that you need these kinds of beverages, or that they can help you feel more energetic. But besides absurd amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, they’re also packed with sugar or sweeteners, and in combination with alcohol, for example, they have been linked to the development of heart problems.

(Too much) alcohol

Yeeeeah, we know that by now, I think (just like you probably do). But according to Jones, drinking a little on a regular basis is really bad for your heart—much worse than having a glass every now and then. It increases your risk of high blood pressure and a brain hemorrhage. Sigh. Sob.

Fried foods

Indeed, even though here at FavorFlav you often read brilliant tips about where to get the best fried chicken sandwich du moment, and some colleagues’ love for the frikandel is unabashedly huge, we should of course also be honest and say that you really shouldn’t do this too often. Every now and then: treat yourself. Often: don’t.

Coffee shakes

If you don’t actually like coffee but still go along to Starbucks and then order a giant frappé-whatever with whipped cream, sprinkles and syrup, you’re not doing your heart’s health any favors. Have tea instead. Let it steep for a good long while—you’ll get plenty of theine and a boost from it too.

Margarine

Who hasn’t been indoctrinated by cycling old people in TV commercials whose cholesterol was even lower than sea level because they ate margarine from one of those plastic tubs? Fortunately, we now more often hear that a little fat really isn’t so bad, and do you know what, for example, really delicious butter does not contain? Palm oil. Palm oil is generally obtained in a way that devastates the planet, and according to Jones, it’s not nearly as good for your heart as, for example, olive oil.

Also read:

• An experienced expert explains: why you should NEVER do a juice cleanse
• Is Waldkorn bread healthy? No, you’re being fooled
• 5 surprisingly (un)healthy products

Source: Delish