Clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, is a condition where plaque builds up in blood vessels and restricts blood flow. Common signs of this condition include chest pain, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue.
Unfortunately, these can be caused by some of your favorite foods. The Mayo Clinic reports that a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the risk. You may want to swap out some of the following foods to improve your health.
Bacon
Bacon can be a side dish, a sandwich highlight, and even added to salads. However, this breakfast treat is loaded with saturated fats and should be high on your list of foods to avoid. Overeating on food that’s high in saturated fats, like bacon, can cause clogged arteries and other medical conditions like chronic inflammation.
Butter
Butter can be used as a spread on toast, as grease to fry eggs, or added to cake and cookie batter. Unfortunately, this often-used product contains high levels of saturated fats that can lead to high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Healthier alternatives to butter include ghee (clarified butter) and coconut or olive oil.
Fried Food
Fried foods like chicken or french fries should be avoided because they increase oil intake. A recent study suggests that consuming foods high in saturated fats is linked to atherosclerosis. Healthier cooking alternatives include air frying and baking.
Cheese and Whole Milk
Besides being standalone side dishes, dairy products are often ingredients for more complex meals. This can lead to overconsumption of saturated fats present in these foods. Swap out full-fat dairy for healthier alternatives like goat cheese or vegetable-based options.
Protect Your Arteries From Atherosclerosis
Moderation is key when eating bacon, butter, fried foods, and dairy products. All of these foods are high in saturated fats and shouldn’t be over-consumed. It’s important to be aware of the health risks of eating too much of these foods to avoid clogged arteries and other medical conditions.
