Our heart health is crucial for our overall health, and the best way to support your heart is through a well-balanced diet, hydration and consistent exercise. While going out for fast food or picking up junk food can be fun and delicious, eating one specific side option (offered at many restaurant chains) can impact your heart— and not in a good way. We spoke with cardiologist and holistic heart doctor Dr. Nitin Bhatnagar, M.D. who explained why many junk food options labelled as “loaded” are a no-go for your heart health.
How "Loaded" Fried Sides (With Added Cheese, Bacon, etc.) Deter Heart Health
One of the worst side orders, Bhatnagar says, is a "loaded" French fries, cheese bits or onion rings dish (offered at chains like Wendy's, Arby's and Shake Shack). The word "loaded," he explains, "usually implies bacon and cheese mixed with an item that is already deep fried," adjacent to some food item that is "probably already unhealthy, which was picked off the menu at the fast food restaurant," he says. "Most fast foods and their respective side dishes are picked at a time of an emotional or imbalanced subconscious state that impairs wise choices."
Dishes that are "loaded" are labelled as such for a reason― they often contain several ingredients on top of an already fried item. Popular restaurants like Taco Bell, In-N-Out and Steak 'n Shake also have these menu items, often containing cheese, bacon, chili, and other toppings."When the mind is out of sync, the heart also is subject to stress," adds Bhatnagar. "Now, to add that, picking a fast food item is unhealthy to the body, mind and heart. And, add to that a dollop of loaded onion rings simply compounds the ill effects to the heart through the excess fat, excess salt, and excess fried nature of the food." Bhatnagar stresses that this can "further clog the arteries which can lead to heart attacks and strokes."
If you eat sides like this once and a while, Bhatnagar says not to stress, but eating them frequently, however, is detrimental to your heart health and arteries, putting you at a greater risk of heart disease (which is already a common and notable concern for many as we age). "Anything excessive leads to a chemical imbalance in the body, so have everything in moderation," he concludes. For more information, visit a cardiologist to find out what foods can best support your personal and specific heart health.
