World Heart Day 2023: The best and worst foods to eat
Nuts including cashews, pecans, pine nuts, and walnuts are packed with protein and unsaturated fats, which lower bad LDL cholesterol and help with heart health.
Best - Nuts
Refined grains, such as white rice, bread, pasta, and white flour snacks, cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to belly fat accumulation.
Worst - White Rice, Bread, and Pasta
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant known to reduce risk of heart disease.
Best - Tomatoes
Hot dogs, sausages, salami and luncheon meats are high in sodium and saturated fats, which are not good for the heart.
Worst - Processed Meats
Rich in cocoa and flavonoids, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.
Best - Dark Chocolate
More than half of the calories in bacon come from saturated fat, which can elevate your LDL, or bad cholesterol, and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Worst - Bacon
Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain fibre and potassium, which aid managing blood pressure.
Best - Avocados
Loaded with added sugar and unhealthy fats, cookies, cakes and muffins contribute to increasing triglyceride levels, which are linked to heart disease.
Worst - Baked Goods
Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes reduce the risk of heart disease as they are rich in protein, fibre, and minerals.