Healthy Heart ENEMIES

by Judi Samuels, Master Personal Trainer
Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant

Want to protect your heart? Beware of the following healthy heart enemies!

Saturated fats: Contributes to high cholesterol. Avoid whole-fat dairy foods such as cheese, cream and milk, as well as red meat.

Trans-fats: Found in most margarines, snack foods, heavily processed foods and some cooking oils as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil. Can reduce HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

Animal protein: Raises levels of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid. Try whole soy protein, beans or legumes once or twice a day.

Refined carbohydrates: Cookies, cakes, crackers, fluffy breads, chips and sodas can increase triglyceride levels and lower HDL.

Sodium: Linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Avoid processed and canned foods. Do not add salt while cooking, avoid foods that are visibly salted and read labels (aim for no more than 1,500 mg sodium per day).

Want more info? Connect with Judi Samuels