Clogged Arteries: 12 Foods That Harm Your Heart and Circulation(1 / 4)

Frozen meals are convenient, affordable, and often low in calories. However, many frozen foods contain preservatives and high levels of  sodium , which is used for flavoring. People should consume about 2,000 milligrams of sodium a day, but some frozen foods contain much more.

Cured meats

Cured meats that have been preserved or flavored with added salt, such as salami, typically contain too much saturated fat and can raise cholesterol levels. Excess cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. While low-fat options exist, cured meats are generally not heart-healthy due to their high salt content.

Coffee cream

Creamed coffees often contain partially hydrogenated oils  , a common source of trans fats that can raise cholesterol levels .  In general, if you don’t like black coffee, milk is a healthier option.

Adding plant-based milk is usually a good alternative to creamed coffee.

Baked goods

In general, sweets should be consumed in moderation, but baked goods, such as cakes, can be particularly harmful due to their trans fat content. One study found a correlation between heart disease and trans fatty acids. Many baked goods are flavored with sugar, which can put stress on the heart.

Sugar in food may also contain glucose 6-phosphate, which can reduce heart function to the point of heart failure.

Ice-cream

Ice cream often contains high levels of cholesterol.  A half-cup of vanilla ice cream contains over 4 grams of saturated fat. This is more than a quarter of what adults should consume in a day, and richer flavors can contain even more.