we receive them to Spain daily

The Mediterranean diet, recognized as one of the most prestigious in the world, closely associated with high life expectancy of those who accept it. Traditionally it was considered the typical diet of Spain, but the reality is that the Spaniards are gradually abandoning it. Factors such as increased meat consumption, popularity Ultra-processed foods and alcohol abuse They transform traditional eating patterns associated with a good quality of life into habits that cause long-term discomfort and disease.

Among body systems most affected Due to insufficient nutrition, the circulatory system is secreted. Food can cause inflammationincrease blood pressure and promote the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels. To protect heart healthThe solution is known: regularly include more fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts in your diet. These foods are rich in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit the body.

When we introduce healthy foods, it is important to eliminate or reduce those that are harmful to the heart. Lauren Baldwin, a cardiology expert at the Heart and Vascular Institute in Orlando, US, warns of six foods that cardiologists avoid at all costs. In his list, he points out the negative effects of sugar, salt, trans and saturated fats, which are the main enemies of a healthy diet.

Processed meat

The first food that Baldwin put on his black list is one of the most beloved in Spain: sausages, ham, sausages… They can prepare you dinner or a snack in record time and, without a doubt, They have a taste that we like, but unfortunately they have health disadvantages.. For Baldwin, they pose a triple threat: They’re high in salt, which raises blood pressure, high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol, and full of free radicals, which increase the risk of cancer.

French fries

Snacks are a curse, when we have them we can hardly resist snacking. However, there are also healthier snacks, such as nuts or olives. Among the least healthy foods, none is as famous around the world as French fries. You’d think they were at least made from vegetables, but potatoes are very porous and therefore when frying in oil they are completely saturated with oil. They have almost no fiber, a lot of calories, unhealthy fats and, of course, a lot of salt.

(This is the amount of French fries that increases the risk of a heart attack.)

fast food

All of us who go into a restaurant that serves hamburgers or hot dogs are warned that what we are about to eat is not entirely healthy. We strive not just to satisfy our hunger, but to pamper ourselves.; But we should be careful not to indulge ourselves too often. In fact, it’s common to find French fries and processed meats at these establishments. Fast food commits the same sins: too many calories, salt and unhealthy fats.

red meat

Yes, red meat is an important source of protein, but it’s not as healthy as we always thought. Although in Spain this food is considered a very normalized food in the daily diet, it does not actually belong to the Mediterranean diet. Legumes, whole grains and nuts were a more traditional and healthier source of protein. Baldwin explains that red meat is high in saturated fat and produces heart-damaging substances in the microbiota.

Sweet drinks

Water is without a doubt the healthiest drink we can drink throughout the day, although many people are unconvinced by its lack of taste. For this reason, there are those who decide to replenish their fluid reserves with a can of their favorite soft drink. but this option involves too high a sugar content. Thanks to this ingredient, they have a large number of calories, and if they also contain caffeine, they can cause rapid heartbeat and even arrhythmia. These drinks tend to increase the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Popcorn at the cinema

Finally, Baldwin puts another of the most famous snacks in the spotlight: the popcorn we eat at the movies. This expert refers to the fact that This popcorn is usually cooked with a lot of butter. and even with cheaper fats, but worse for health. This can be coconut oil, as well as palm oil, which is sometimes mixed with butter. Either way, Baldwin explains that popcorn, which we can make at home from corn kernels, can be a healthy snack. In this article by EL ESPAÑOL you will learn how to prepare them.