Cardiologists Agree: These Are The Worst Beverages For Your Heart Health

1. Soda

Sipping on sugary soda is never a great idea for your overall health–and this is especially true when it comes to your heart. “Sodas are one of the worst drinks for your heart because they contain a lot of sugar,” Dr. Corrielus confirms. As it turns out, indulging in too much sugar can take a toll on more than just your waistline; in excess, it can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and chronic inflammation, which may eventually result in heart disease. And when it comes to sugary drinks, soda is definitely somewhere at the top of the list. “Sugar in one soda bottle is more than your daily requirement,” Dr. Corrielus warns. “According to one study, people who consume an excessive amount of soda have a 20% increased risk of developing heart disease in the future.” Yikes!

2. Energy drinks

There are several reasons you might want to avoid energy drinks if you’re looking out for your heart health. For starters, just as with soda, these drinks are typically packed with sugar. But on top of this, there’s also the issue of all that caffeine. “Energy drinks may appear beneficial and healthy to athletes; However, all they are is a can of sugar and caffeine,” Dr. Corrielus tells us, noting that while caffeine is healthy when consumed in moderation, “there is no safe amount of caffeine in energy drinks, which makes them unhealthy.” That means it’s best to leave the red bull on the shelf and reach for something like green tea instead.

3. Alcohol

We probably don’t have to tell you twice that limiting your alcohol intake is an essential part of staying as healthy as possible. While having a glass of wine every now and then is fine (and may even be good for your heart), overindulging can lead to serious health consequences. “If consumed in large quantities, alcohol poses a health risk,” Dr. Corrielus says. “Heart patients suffer harm when intake exceeds a predetermined limit. When consumption exceeds this limit, trouble ensues. Overindulging in alcohol consumption can be especially harmful to heart patients.” This is partly because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increased heart rate, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, and more, all of which can lead to heart disease.

Of course, at the end of the day, mostly everything is fine in moderation–which is to say that there’s likely no harm in cracking open a Coca-Cola every now and then. However, if you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s best to keep your consumption of these beverages to a minimum. When in doubt, go with some heart-healthy teas, or just some plain old water. Your body will thank you!