Doctor: to maintain heart health, one must control salt and sugar intake.
A healthy lifestyle and rational nutrition are the foundation for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, said cardiologist Anastasia Malay.
The doctor emphasized that an excess of salt can be dangerous for the health of this organ. "Salt is a conditionally useful product. In small amounts, it is necessary, but its excess leads to fluid retention, increased pressure, and swelling. It is worth remembering that about 80 percent of the salt we consume does not come from the salt shaker, but from ready-made products: bread, sausages, sauces, canned goods, semi-finished products, and even cookies," she warned.
Equally dangerous for the health of the heart and blood vessels, according to the cardiologist, is sugar. It is found not only in desserts but also in many seemingly safe products: milkshakes, ready-made breakfasts, fruit yogurts. Excessive sugar consumption disrupts metabolism, leads to obesity, and depletes the heart muscle, as it causes a deficiency of thiamine.
Malay also urged caution when including processed meat products in the diet: sausages, hot dogs, and semi-finished products. They contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, and stabilizers, which can harm the cardiovascular system with regular consumption.
The doctor added that trans fats are harmful to heart health. They are found in margarine, spreads, fast food, confectionery products, and various snacks, the medic explained.
