Avoid these five foods in Summer for healthy heart

Excess heat during summer gives an extra challenge to remain hydrated and maintain a healthy heart. Certain foods can exacerbate these challenges and increase the risk of heart problems.

Let’s understand how we can maintain a healthy heart following good diet chart.

Salt (Sodium): Excessive salt intake leads to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart related issues. Processed foods often have high sodium content, even if they don’t taste salty.

Added Sugars: A diet high in added sugars promotes weight gain and inflammation, both of which increase your risk of heart disease.

Remember, moderation is key. Occasional treats are unlikely to cause harm. However, a regular diet of these unhealthy foods can significantly increase your risk of developing heart problems down the line.

Samosas & Pakoras: These deep-fried delights may be tasty, but the frying process adds harmful fats to your diet. Go for healthier snacks like grilled vegetables or air-popped popcorn.

Sweetened Lassi & Thandai: While these cooling drinks are refreshing, they can be loaded with sugar. Choose buttermilk lassi with mint or a homemade thandai with minimal added sugar.

Red Meat Curries with Ghee: Rich curries with fatty red meat and generous amounts of ghee are tempting, but red meat is high in saturated fat, and ghee adds even more. Opt for healthier protein sources like chicken breast or lentils in your curries, and cook with a lighter oil.

Salty Pickles & Pappads: These tangy accompaniments can be a tastebud explosion, but they are often high in sodium. Limit these or find low-sodium alternatives to avoid putting extra strain on your heart.

Deep-fried Sweets: Jalebis and Imartis are classic summer treats, but the combination of deep-frying and sugary syrup is a recipe for heart trouble. Enjoy these sweets in moderation, or choose fresh fruit with a drizzle of honey for a heart-healthy dessert option.