10 foods to avoid as recommended by a cardiologist
Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, cardiologist and director of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, shared a list of 10 foods that he would never buy as a cardiologist who has treated heart diseases for about 20 years. In a post shared on May, Dr Bhojraj listed the foods and wrote, “These might shock you… especially #6.”
1. Agave syrup
According to the cardiologist, agave syrup is often marketed as a healthy sugar alternative, but it spikes triglycerides fast.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they are a type of fat, called lipids, that circulates in your blood and is the most common type of fat in your body. Triglycerides come from foods, especially butter, oils, other fats you eat, and extra calories your body does not need right away.
2. Coconut oil
Dr Bhojraj stressed that coconut oil consumed in large amounts is harmful for your health as it is high in saturated fats, which is not great for already inflamed arteries.
3. Store-bought granola
Per the cardiologist, store-bought granola is often ultra-processed and full of hidden sugars.
4. “Whole wheat” bread
Often, “whole wheat” bread is a go-to option for people looking for a healthier alternative to bread. However, the cardiologist stressed that whole wheat bread might come with additives, and most are just brown-colored white bread.
5. Flavoured Greek yoghurt
Flavoured Greek yoghurt has tons of sugar hiding behind the protein, Dr Bhojraj wrote in the post.
6. Plant-based meat substitutes
According to the cardiologist, plant-based meat substitutes are often full of seed oils, sodium, and additives.
7. Rice cakes
Rice cakes are high glycemic and low in nutrients, which means they are a sure-shot ‘blood sugar rollercoaster’.
8. Bottled green juices
Dr Bhojraj stressed that bottled green juices are a ‘fructose bomb in disguise.’
9. Flavoured sparkling water with “natural flavours”
Often, flavoured sparkling water that claims they have ‘natural flavours’ contains synthetic chemicals and acids that erode the gut lining, the cardiologist claimed.
10. Gluten-free processed snacks
Lastly, Dr Bhojraj said that gluten-free processed snacks are just as inflammatory. They just come with better branding.
Why these?
Per the cardiologist, what looks healthy on the label isn’t always heart-healthy. He added, “I’ve seen this play out with hundreds of patients. Inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and nutrient depletion don’t always come from junk food.”
Note to readers: 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.
It is very common to see catchy headlines where doctors list "forbidden" foods, but it's important to look at the nuance behind these claims. Often, these lists focus on foods that are either highly processed or contain high levels of saturated fats, which can impact cardiovascular health over time.
While the specific list you're referencing might vary by the doctor sharing it, here is the medical reasoning behind why some "healthy" staples often end up on a cardiologist's "do not buy" list:
1. Coconut Oil
Despite being marketed as a superfood, most cardiologists are wary of it because it is roughly 80% to 90% saturated fat—higher than butter or lard.
The Concern: High intake of saturated fat can significantly raise LDL (the "bad" cholesterol), which is a primary risk factor for plaque buildup in the arteries.
The Alternative: Heart-healthy unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or cold-pressed nut and seed oils.
2. "Wheat" Bread (The Marketing Trap)
Many people buy bread labeled "wheat" or "multi-grain" thinking it is healthy, but these can be misleading.
The Concern: If the first ingredient is "enriched wheat flour," it is essentially white bread with a bit of caramel coloring. These refined grains lack fiber and cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which can inflame the arterial lining.
The Alternative: Look for labels that say "100% Whole Grain" or "100% Whole Wheat." The fiber in true whole grains actually helps lower cholesterol.
Other Common "Never Buy" Items
Cardiologists frequently highlight these as well:
Processed Meats: Bacon, sausages, and deli meats are high in both saturated fat and sodium. High sodium is a direct driver of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Energy Drinks: These often contain high levels of caffeine and taurine, which can trigger arrhythmias or palpitations in sensitive individuals.
Commercial Granola: While it sounds healthy, many store-bought versions are loaded with added sugars and "tropical oils" (like palm or coconut oil).
Non-Dairy Creamers: These often contain trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) or high levels of sugar to mimic the creaminess of milk.
Finding the Balance
The key isn't necessarily to live in fear of a single ingredient, but to look at your overall dietary pattern. For example, if you are already consuming heart-healthy seeds or maintaining a diet rich in natural antioxidants, a small amount of a "restricted" food is rarely the issue—it's the cumulative effect of high sodium, trans fats, and refined sugars.
Are you looking to adjust your grocery list to be more heart-friendly, or were you specifically curious about the science behind the coconut oil debate?
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