It’s well-known that your diet is one of the most crucial components of your overall health. The food you eat can significantly impact every facet of your wellbeing—and this undeniably includes your cardiovascular health. The good news is that there’s a myriad of heart-healthy foods you can eat regularly to keep your cardiovascular system in great shape. However, it’s also important to consider the other side of the coin; many of our favorite tasty foods are actually a nightmare for our heart, oftentimes leading to issues like clogged arteries.
Frozen foods can be especially damaging to your heart health and arteries, as these are typically loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and other detrimental ingredients. Of course, not all frozen food is terrible, but there are a few popular options health experts agree you should consider kicking to the curb if you’re making your heart health a priority. To highlight a few especially large culprits, we checked in with Dr. Bhaskar Semitha, a Cardiologist from Clinic Spots. He warned against fried chicken, frozen pizza, and pot pies. Learn about the risks of each below.
1. Frozen Fried Chicken
Fried food poses a major threat to your heart, and frozen options, in particular, should be avoided. Dr. Semitha warns against frozen fried chicken. "It’s high in trans fats, which raise LDL cholesterol and make artery walls stiff, restricting blood flow," Dr. Semitha explains. Fried foods also contain advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are compounds linked to inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries, further increasing your risk of heart disease. For a heart-friendly alternative, he suggests opting for grilled or baked chicken seasoned with herbs or a light marinade. "This way, flavor is there without the artery-clogging oils," he notes.
2. Frozen Pizzas
It shouldn't be a major surprise to hear that frozen pizzas aren't the healthiest food around. But did you know the toll they can take on your heart, in particular? Although delicious, frozen pizzas are loaded with ingredients that could lead to clogged arteries. "The saturated and trans fats from the cheese and processed toppings—like pepperoni or sausage—are a big driver of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which builds up as plaque along artery walls," Dr. Semitha warns. When your arteries narrow, your blood flow is reduced, ultimately putting a strain on your heart. A healthier choice is homemade pizza on a whole-grain crust, topped with fresh veggies and a light sprinkle of low-fat cheese. "Adding leafy greens like spinach boosts fiber and helps manage cholesterol, keeping arteries clearer," he suggests. Yum!
3. Frozen Pot Pies
Sorry, Marie Callender! As much as we love a tasty pot pie, the fact of the matter is that they're terrible for your health. They're often full of ingredients that can harm your arteries. "The crust often contains shortening or hydrogenated oils, which contribute to clogged arteries, and the high sodium content elevates blood pressure," says Dr. Semitha. Over time, these factors can increase plaque buildup and cause arterial narrowing. As a healthier but equally tasty option, he suggests a homemade chicken and vegetable stew using low-sodium broth. "It’s just as hearty but without the heart strain." Noted!
