Cardiologist Says He Would Never Buy These 10 Foods After 20 Years of Treating Heart Diseases

After two decades of treating heart diseases, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a California-based interventional cardiologist and director of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, has shared a list of 10 foods he avoids to protect heart health. His insights, drawn from observing the impact of diet on hundreds of patients, highlight how seemingly "healthy" foods can contribute to inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and elevated triglyceride levels—key risk factors for cardiovascular issues. This blog details Dr. Bhojraj’s “never-buy” list, explains why these foods are harmful, and suggests heart-healthy alternatives, based on his viral Instagram post from May 2025 and supporting sources. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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The 10 Foods to Avoid and Why

Dr. Bhojraj emphasizes that attractive labels like “natural” or “healthy” can be misleading. Here’s his list, along with the reasons these foods may harm heart health:

1. Agave Syrup

   • Why Avoid: Marketed as a healthy sugar alternative, agave syrup is high in fructose, which is rapidly metabolized by the liver into triglycerides—a type of fat linked to heart disease. Elevated triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Use natural sweeteners like small amounts of honey or maple syrup, which have less impact on triglycerides.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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2. Coconut Oil (in Large Amounts)

   • Why Avoid: Despite its popularity, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which can inflame arteries and worsen heart conditions, especially in large quantities. It contains more saturated fat than lard, contributing to cholesterol buildup.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Opt for olive oil, rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   </grok:render-Dr. Bhojraj stresses moderation due to coconut oil’s high saturated fat content.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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3. Store-Bought Granola

   • Why Avoid: Often ultra-processed and loaded with hidden sugars, store-bought granola lacks the nutritional benefits it claims, causing blood sugar spikes.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Make homemade granola with whole oats, nuts, and minimal natural sweeteners.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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4. Whole Wheat Bread with Additives

   • Why Avoid: Many commercial whole wheat breads are essentially refined white bread with additives, offering little fiber and causing blood sugar spikes.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Choose 100% whole-grain bread with visible seeds and at least 3 grams of fiber per 100 calories.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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5. Flavored Greek Yogurt

   • Why Avoid: High in protein but often packed with added sugars, flavored Greek yogurt can contribute to inflammation and heart risk.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Opt for plain, non-fat Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for natural sweetness.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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6. Plant-Based Meat Substitutes

   • Why Avoid: These are often ultra-processed, containing seed oils, high sodium, and additives that may harm heart health.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Choose natural plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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7. Rice Cakes

   • Why Avoid: Low in nutrients and high on the glycemic index, rice cakes cause rapid blood sugar spikes, stressing the cardiovascular system.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Snack on nuts or fresh veggies like carrots for fiber and nutrients.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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8. Processed Meats (e.g., Bacon, Deli Meats, Hot Dogs)

   • Why Avoid: High in sodium, saturated fats, and nitrates, processed meats increase blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer risk, impairing endothelial function.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Opt for lean, unprocessed proteins like grilled chicken or fish.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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9. Flavored Sparkling Water with “Natural Flavors”

   • Why Avoid: Some contain synthetic chemicals and acids that may erode gut lining, indirectly affecting heart health by disrupting gut-heart connections.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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   • Alternative: Drink plain sparkling water or unsweetened tea, which supports heart health with antioxidants.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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10. Gluten-Free Processed Snacks

    • Why Avoid: Often as inflammatory as regular processed snacks due to additives and lack of nutrients, despite “healthy” branding.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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    • Alternative: Choose whole foods like fruits, nuts, or homemade snacks for better nutrition.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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Why These Foods Are Harmful

Dr. Bhojraj notes that these foods contribute to heart disease through:

• Inflammation: Saturated fats, additives, and processed ingredients trigger inflammation, damaging arteries.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Blood Sugar Spikes: High-glycemic foods like rice cakes and sugary yogurt cause rapid glucose spikes, stressing the cardiovascular system.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Triglyceride Elevation: Foods like agave syrup and coconut oil increase triglycerides, a major heart disease risk factor.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Nutrient Deficiency: Ultra-processed foods lack essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants, critical for heart health.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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Heart-Healthy Eating Tips

Dr. Bhojraj advocates for a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods, aligning with recommendations from the American Heart Association and Mediterranean diet principles.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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Key tips include:

• Prioritize Whole Grains: Choose oats, brown rice, or whole-grain bread with high fiber content.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Incorporate Healthy Fats: Use olive oil or avocado for monounsaturated fats.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Eat Plant-Based Proteins: Include legumes, nuts, and seeds for nutrient-dense protein.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Limit Sodium and Sugars: Avoid processed foods high in sodium or added sugars to manage blood pressure and weight.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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• Read Labels Carefully: Look beyond “healthy” claims to check for hidden sugars, sodium, and additives.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">

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Conclusion

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj’s 20 years of experience treating heart disease patients underscore the importance of avoiding foods that seem healthy but harm cardiovascular health. By steering clear of agave syrup, coconut oil, processed granola, and other items on his list, and opting for nutrient-rich alternatives, you can support your heart. For personalized advice, consult a cardiologist or dietitian, and refer to trusted sources like the American Heart Association for heart-healthy dietary guidelines.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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Small dietary changes can make a big difference in preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">
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