The United Kingdom is facing a severe heart care crisis, with 39,000 premature deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2022. Health inequalities are on the rise due to factors such as the Covid pandemic and the increasing pressure on the national health service. Dr. Neil Srinivasan, a British cardiologist, emphasizes that heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in the West, despite medical advancements.
Lifestyle factors such as obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The consumption of ultra-processed foods has a significant impact on these factors.
Dr. Srinivasan advises individuals to be mindful of their food choices as certain foods can either protect or harm their heart health. He recommends avoiding processed breakfast cereals as they are high in processed ingredients that can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure. Similarly, salami and other processed meats should be limited due to their high saturated fat content.
Other foods to avoid include crispy fries which are high in trans fat and sodium leading to obesity and heart problems. Ice cream is another UPF category food that should be consumed sparingly due to its high processing steps. Carbonated drinks known for their high sugar content should also be eliminated to reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
In contrast, Dr. Srinivasan suggests healthier alternatives such as homemade porridge made with whole grains like oats or barley instead of refined grains like wheat or rice; fresh fruit like apples or berries instead of sugary treats; plain yogurt instead of flavored varieties; whole-wheat bread instead of white bread; lean proteins like chicken or fish instead of red meat; nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of potato chips; fresh vegetables like spinach or broccoli instead of fried vegetables; water or fruit juice instead of sugary drinks.
By making conscious food choices and steering clear of processed unhealthy options, individuals can better protect their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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