Keeping your heart healthy is a crucial part of leading a healthy life overall—and one of the best ways to do that is by prioritizing a heart-healthy diet. In addition to adding antioxidant-rich foods to your plate on a regular basis, that also means limiting your intake of certain foods that could harm your heart in the long run. Unfortunately, that may include some of your favorite snacks. As it turns out, many snack out there could lead to clogged arteries and a higher risk of heart disease. Knowing which ones to avoid is a good step in the right direction.
To shed some light on some potentially artery-clogging foods, we checked in with nutritionists Mary Sabat, Susan Schachter, and Lisa Richards. They told us that potato chips, cheese puffs, and mozzarella sticks are among the worst options. Learn more about the downsides to each below.
1. Potato chips
Potato chips are probably one of the first things that pop into your mind when you picture a good old salty snack. Unfortunately, as delicious (and frankly addicting) as this classic food is, it's also very bad for your health. Regularly munching on potato chips can set you up for a number of health issues, and according to Sabat, that includes clogged arteries and a higher risk of heart disease.
"Regular potato chips are typically deep-fried in unhealthy oils, which are high in saturated and trans fats," she says. "These fats can increase cholesterol levels and promote the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to clogged arteries over time."
Schachter seconds this sentiment, pointing out that this snack is also "loaded with excessive sodium," which can lead to an array of health risks. "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," she says. Yikes!
2. Cheese Puffs
Cheese puffs are in a similar category to potato chips. They're sodium-rich, highly processed, and so easy to eat by the handful. We're sad to say that this cheesy, tasty snack is one more unhealthy option that could lead to clogged arteries and poor heart health.
"Cheese puffs and similar cheesy snacks are often made with partially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats," Sabat warns. "These trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL), contributing to arterial plaque buildup."
Schachter agrees. "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," she says. We hate to hear it!
3. Mozzarella sticks
If you prefer real cheese to the puffs, you may be a fan of fried, delicious, gooey mozzarella sticks—but your heart isn't. This scrumptious snack can be detrimental to your heart health when consumed regularly, Richards warns.
"Mozzarella sticks are considered an artery-clogging snack due to their high levels of unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates," she says. "These sticks are typically coated in a batter and deep-fried, which not only increases their calorie content but also introduces trans fats and saturated fats from the frying oil."
Richards echoes that "trans fats and saturated fats are known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, contributing to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease." Meanwhile, "The refined carbohydrate content in the batter and breading can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, potentially impacting insulin sensitivity and promoting inflammation," making matters worse for your whole body, including your heart.
"Regular consumption of mozzarella sticks, along with other fried and high-fat foods, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and overall well-being," Richards concludes.
Consider going with healthier snacks instead.
