There are several obvious foods to avoid when it comes to keeping your heart healthy. For example, you probably already know that staying away from greasy, fried foods and fast-food burgers is a good idea if you’re looking to lower your cholesterol. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many unassuming foods whose cholesterol content could catch you off guard. In fact, a few of them may even strike you as “healthy.” According to dietitian Catherine Gervacio, that includes two unexpected types of meat: turkey bacon and shrimp.
We checked in with Gervacio to shed some light on how these surprisingly artery-clogging foods could be taking a toll on your heart health. She told us that despite their better-for-you reputation, turkey bacon and shrimp still have relatively high cholesterol levels. Read on to learn more about the risks of each.
1. Turkey bacon
It's no secret that regular bacon isn't good for you, especially if you're after a healthier heart. Red meat can do some serious damage to your cardiovascular health. For this reason (and others) many people choose to replace it with turkey bacon. However, Gervacio warns that this may not be the best idea, either.
"Turkey bacon has 86mg of cholesterol per 100-gram portion," she points out. "Though it is healthier than regular pork bacon, it still contains a significant amount of saturated fat and can increase levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol."
It isn't just the saturated fat that could be an issue here. Gervacio tells us that turkey bacon "may also contain a high amount of sodium which may cause hypertension." Yikes! This is just one of the many risks of excessive sodium consumption.
So, what should you have instead? "It's best to choose leaner types of unprocessed meats like turkey or chicken breast, as well the beef or pork lean cuts," Gervacio says. "There is also vegan bacon made with soy, seitan, and other plant-based ingredients that have no cholesterol." Sounds great!
2. Shrimp
Although adding fatty fish to your meals is a great idea for your heart, Gervacio says that shrimp may be a different story. Believe it or not, this popular shellfish as a higher cholesterol content than you likely realize.
"Shrimps have a high cholesterol content with about 160mg of cholesterol for every 100 grams," she says. "Most people know that shrimp is white meat and therefore is a low-fat choice, but excessive intake can lead to possible health problems."
She explains that "Overconsumption of shrimp may contribute to an increase in LDL cholesterol," which is a type of cholesterol associated with a high risk of atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries.
"However," Gervacio points out, "recent research suggests that cholesterol in shrimp has a small impact on blood cholesterol levels when taken in moderation."
Ultimately, although turkey bacon and shrimp aren't necessarily the worst foods in the world for your health, and can even serve as a good alternative to other artery-clogging meats, it's always good to be aware of the risks at hand—especially when it comes to foods that are often considered healthy. While it's generally fine to eat these foods from time to time, remember to practice moderation and choose heart-healthy foods whenever possible.
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