Keeping your heart as healthy as possible is one major key to a longer, healthier life. There are many steps you can take to promote cardiovascular health, from making sure you exercise regularly to adding heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich foods to your diet. However, it’s also important to make a few sacrifices—which may include limiting your intake of some of your favorite snacks. As it turns out, there are a lot of popular processed foods out there that could be leading to clogged arteries and ultimately raising your risk of heart disease.
In order to uncover some of the biggest culprits out there, we spoke to nutritionists Mary Sabat and Susan Schachter. They both told us that potato chips and cheese puffs could be taking a major toll on your heart health. Find all of their expert insight regarding the risks of these snacks below.
1. Potato chips
Potato chips are one of the most classic, popular snacks out there. Unfortunately, experts warn that they're also extremely unhealthy and could lead to a range of health issues, including weight gain, when eaten in excess on a regular basis. As it turns out, they may also lead to clogged arteries.
"Regular potato chips are typically deep-fried in unhealthy oils, which are high in saturated and trans fats," Sabat says. "These fats can increase cholesterol levels and promote the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to clogged arteries over time."
Schachter agrees, adding that they're also "loaded with excessive sodium," which comes with its own fair share of health complications. She notes that "the combination of trans fats and high sodium intake can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of arterial plaque formation, leading to clogged arteries and cardiovascular diseases." Say it ain't so!
2. Cheese puffs
If you like your snacks on the cheesier side, you may opt for good old cheese puffs over potato chips. Unfortunately, they come with many of the same health risks—and that includes clogged arteries and other cardiovascular issues.
"Cheese puffs and similar cheesy snacks are often made with partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats," Sabat says. "These trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL), contributing to arterial plaque buildup."
Schachter seconds this sentiment: "These cheesy snacks are not only highly processed but also contain high levels of saturated and trans fats. Regular consumption can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, arterial inflammation, and the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries." Guess we'll leave those Cheetos on the shelf!
The bottom line
Ultimately, looking out for your heart health means making an array of smart choices every day, from getting enough sleep to limiting your alcohol intake. However, your diet is one of the most important factors to consider. By cutting out processed, artery-clogging foods like these, you'll be one step closer to a optimal health.
READ MORE: 3 Things To Stop Doing Because They Could Lead To Heart Disease
