Consuming high-fat foods can elevate cholesterol levels, which in turn heightens the risk of heart disease and strokes, as well as the chances of experiencing a heart attack. Recently, a cardiologist has shared the foods he would “never eat.”
Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial, especially as we age. One of the best strategies is to focus on healthy eating.
It’s well known that high-fat foods can increase the risk of heart-related issues. A cardiologist has recently divulged the types of foods he personally avoids.
Dr. Mohammad Alo, a well-known cardiologist with nearly 270,000 followers on TikTok, refers to himself as “America’s Cardiologist.” He regularly shares heart health advice. In a recent video, he stated that there are certain foods he would “absolutely never eat.”
He elaborated, explaining that many foods can elevate LDL cholesterol, which can clog arteries and lead to various health problems like heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and even kidney disease.
LDL cholesterol, often dubbed “bad cholesterol,” contributes to plaque formation in arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.
In contrast, HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because it helps transport excess cholesterol back to the liver for breakdown and removal from the bloodstream.
Dr. Alo pointed out that one of the top offenders is butter, which is almost entirely saturated fat. He noted that consuming butter raises LDL levels and leads to artery blockages.
Other culprits include various saturated fats like cheese, bacon, lard, ghee, coconut oil, and fatty meats. All these can raise LDL cholesterol, potentially resulting in heart disease.
Which foods contain saturated fat?
The NHS suggests that men should aim for no more than 30g of saturated fat daily, while women should keep it under 20g. Here are some foods that contain saturated fat:
- butter
- ghee
- suet
- lard
- coconut oil
- palm oil
- cakes
- biscuits
- fatty cuts of meat
- sausages
- bacon
- cured meats like salami and chorizo
- cheese
- pastries like pies and quiches
- cream
- ice cream
- chocolate and chocolate spreads
How can I decrease my cholesterol levels?
The NHS mentions several ways to lower cholesterol levels, primarily by reducing fatty food intake, especially those high in saturated fats. They recommend consuming more:
- oily fish like salmon
- olive oil and spreads made from it
- whole grains
- nuts and seeds
- fruits and vegetables
Regular exercise can also help manage cholesterol levels. The NHS advises aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Additionally, smoking can raise cholesterol levels, so it’s beneficial to avoid that. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units per week and try to space it out over several days, incorporating drink-free days as well.
