The Worst Fast Food Item That Cardiologists Say Is Clogging Your Arteries And Ruining Your Heart Health

Loaded sides like cheese fries

What's tastier than French fires? French fries topped with cheese, sour cream, meat, and other toppings, of course. Unfortunately, though, French fries are unhealthy enough on their own—all those add-ons only add insult to injury. Not only can indulging in a cheesy loaded side like this result in weight gain, but it can also be detrimental to your cardiovascular health.

"Loaded sides like French fries are the worst fast food options that can clog arteries," Dr. May warns. "While French fries taste really good, they are high in calories and increase cholesterol in your blood."

There are several reasons for this, starting with the oil that French fries are cooked in. "Cooking foods in hot oil make them absorb oil, which increases the calorie count," Dr. May explains. He also adds that "Reusing oil also causes it to break down, which could result in more oil absorption in the food." Yikes! There are many health risks associated with excessive oil consumption.

Then there's the added consequences of all those toppings. "When you put cheese and other toppings like bacon on French fries, they increase the calorie count. They are also high in saturated fat and sodium, which is bad for heart health," Dr. May tells us. If you ask us, the great taste just isn't worth the consequences in the long run.

The bottom line

We're not going to tell you that you have to swear off cheese fries forever. We know how cravings can be, after all—and it's okay to give in every once in a while. Just remember that moderation is key. If possible, cutting out unhealthy foods like this and replacing them with heart-healthy options is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

READ MORE: Nutritionists Agree: The Healthiest Fast Food Meals, Ranked