According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in every four deaths.

Among the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are cutting down on sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. This can help control blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels that are key for heart health.

Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to point out these 5 common foods that can harm your heart health. 

 

  • Baked Goods

 

It’s no secret that pies, cakes, muffins, cookies, etc. have no nutritional value, but they often contain hidden amounts of sugar and both saturated and potentially trans fat due to the use of hydrogenated shortenings. 

 

  • French Fries

 

It’s convenient to grab some fries with your fast-food meal, but you should opt for a healthier side that many restaurants are now offering (salads, fruit, and vegetables are usually among the alternatives). Fries are filled with sodium, fat, and carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar levels.

 

  • Ice Cream

 

You may not realize it, but besides being high in calories, ice cream is high in saturated fat, so it’s easy to go over your cholesterol limits for the day if you’re indulging in ice cream a bit too often.

 

  • Cheese

 

Whether it’s on pizza (another contributing food to poor heart health), a sandwich, or topping Italian food, cheese has been found to be the biggest contributor of saturated fat for Americans. Besides helping your heart, cutting back on cheese will help you shed some belly fat.

 

  • Soda

 

Soda is another thing that we consume with no nutritional value. Regular soda is loaded with sugar and calories. Diet soda is no better, either. Doctors say diet soda confuses the body into producing more insulin, which increases fat deposits and also tricks your body into not feeling full, causing people to overeat. 

To learn more about Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://centershealthcare.com/buffalo_center/.