The Worst High-Sodium Deli Meats That Experts Say Are Clogging Your Arteries And Ruining Your Heart Health

One of the most important things you can do in order to keep your heart in great shape is to prioritize a healthy, balanced diet. You know what they say: You are what you eat, and that’s especially true when it comes to your cardiovascular health. In addition to adding antioxidant-rich ingredients and healthy fats to your plate every day, it’s also crucial to limit your intake of the foods that could pose a risk to your heart. Unfortunately, that includes some of the most popular foods around—including many deli meats. This type of meat is typically highly processed in order to extend its shelf life, which means it’s filled with sodium and other harmful additives that could lead to clogged arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.

To shed some light on some of the worst high-sodium deli meats and learn more about how they may be taking a toll on your heart, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. “High sodium intake can contribute to inflammation and damage to the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium),” she explains. “This damage can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the arterial walls, forming plaque and narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis).”

Furthermore, she notes, “Consuming a diet high in sodium can cause the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and putting extra strain on the heart. This can elevate blood pressure and raise the risk of developing hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.” Yikes!

Sabat told us that salami, bacon, and ham are some of the biggest culprits of clogged arteries and heart disease. Read on to learn more about the risks of each.