“I’m a cardiologist and these are 2 packaged snacks that I swear about heart health,” they originally appeared to be a parade.
If you are busy or do not like to cook, you can rely on packaged foods to make your life easier. Maintaining protein bars, microwave dishes and snacks can be useful when pressed for time.
Although there is no doubt that foods like these are saving time, they are often not exactly healthy. Scientific studies show that a high -processed diet increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. However, it is also important to admit that not all processed foods are created equal; Some are actually full of nutritional benefits.
With this in mind, continue to read to see what two packed snacks says that the cardiologist can support a diet healthy for the heart.
🩺Sign up for tips to stay healthy and fit in with the best movements, clean dishes, health trends and more delivered to your input twice a week💊
Why packaged foods are not usually recommended for heart health
Although not all packaged foods are unhealthy, it is still best not to make them a milestone on your diet, especially if you want to support your heart. “A diet with a high content of processed foods can be detrimental to heart health due to a combination of factors,” saysDr. Lars Sondergaard, Doctor of Medicine., Cardiologist and Division Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for the ABB Structural Heart Department.
He explains that one of the reasons why processed foods are usually not good for the health of the heart is that they are often high in sodium, which is associated with high blood pressure, sharing, “high blood pressure forces the heart to work more, which leads to a thickening of the heart muscle and the potential injuries.”
Connected: “I’m a cardiologist – this is the only workout I do several times a week for the health of the heart”
In addition to sodium, Sondergaard says that many processed foods are high in saturated fat and added sugars, both in his view are associated with lifted LDL cholesterol and weight gain – two main risk factors for heart disease.
“The combination of high sodium, unhealthy fats, added sugars and a lack of nutrients in processed foods creates a perfect storm to promote risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which significantly increases the likelihood of developing heart disease,” he adds.
Related: This common habit can harm your heart’s health, according to scientists
2 packaged foods that are actually useful to your heart, according to a cardiologist
While many processed foods are made with ingredients that are detrimental to the health of the heart, there are two that Dr. Sondergaard says that it supports the health of the heart, even when eaten regularly.
1. Canned beans
“Canned grains are affordable, heart-healthy main closet. Bob is full of fiber, which helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, important factors in heart health,” says Dr. Sondergaard. When shopping for canned beans, he says to go for a “low sodium” or “no added salt” to ensure that they are really healthy. As he explained earlier, foods with a lot of sodium can increase blood pressure.
Scientific studies show that eating beans regularly can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to fiber, this plant protein is full of antioxidants that reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Related: Exactly how many minutes walking you have to do a day to enhance heart health
2. Plain oatmeal
Another packed food that D -R Sondergaard maintains the health of the heart is the ordinary oatmeal, which is different from the flavored oatmeal, which often includes added sugars. “Oatmeal also contains vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, which can play a role in immunity, blood clotting and the way cholesterol and blood sugar are metabolized,” he adds.
If you want to make your oatmeal extra healthy, Dr. Sondergaard recommends complementing it with fresh or frozen fruits. “The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function,” he says.
What to keep in mind when choosing packaged foods that maintain heart health
It is clear that not all packaged foods are created equal in terms of nutritional benefits. So what do you need to keep in mind when shopping for them to ensure that what you take at home is really healthy for the heart? Dr Sondergaard says you choose foods low in sodium, sugar and saturated fat.
When you read the list of ingredients, the most healthy packaged foods list whole foods that come from nature first. “It is important to prioritize the snacks that come from nature, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. They are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are crucial to the health of the heart,” he explains.
It is also helpful to remember that the best foods for your heart are probably not in a package. For example, take food like apples, avocado and leafy foliage. “By focusing on the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients, you can optimize your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack,” says D -R Sondergaard.
Armed with the knowledge of how to separate unhealthy packed foods from those who can support your heart, you can navigate the grocery paths with confidence. When you doubt, read the label – that’s why it’s there!
Forward:
Connected: “I’m a cardiologist and this is a kind of cheese (yes, cheese) that I swear about heart health”
Sources:
“I’m a cardiologist and these are 2 packaged snacks that I swear about heart health,” they first appeared at a parade on July 23, 2025.
This story was originally reported by a parade on July 23, 2025, where it first appeared.