The number of people developing heart diseases is constantly increasing. As a matter of fact, heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in both women and men. In order to keep the heart healthy for a long period of time, it is imperative to avoid some foods and keep them out of the daily diet. On that premise, the following article presents a list of foods that are considered to be detrimental to the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Processed meats
Processed meats, such as deli, bacon and sausages, are foods that are high in saturated fats and salt. The latter may augment internal inflammation that could eventually lead to a narrowing or stiffening of the heart arteries.

Candy
Contrary to what a lot of people think, fat is not the main cause of heart disease; it is any form of added sugar. Added sugar contributes to inflammation, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, which can all eventually increase the risk of heart disease.

Deep fried foods
Another type of food that should be avoided to have a healthy heart is deep fried food. Studies have shown time and time again that these foods increase the risk of having coronary artery disease.

Margarine
Although margarine is usually portrayed as a healthier option compared to butter, it is actually high in trans fats that are known to increase an individual’s risk of having heart disease.

Soda and diet soda
Soda is a drink that is packed with sugar and that leads to an increased risk of both stroke and heart disease. Diet soda, on the other hand, is not the healthier alternative whatsoever. As a matter of fact, diet soda is just as detrimental for heart health as soda. Research shows that the chemicals in diet soda make individuals more prone to weight gain and diabetes.

Pizza
The high level of saturated fats and sodium in pizza makes it a very unhealthy type of food that is also harmful for the heart.

Cookies and pastries
Commercially produced baked goods, such as cookies and pastries, also contain high levels of saturated fats, trans fats and sugar, which can also have deleterious effects on the health of the heart.