6 Foods That Are Pretty Bad for Your Heart

“While artificial trans fats that made up classic margarines have been banned, many margarine products swapped out their hydrogenated oils for palm oil,” Jones says.

Palm oil is meh for heart health, when you compare it to avocado or olive oil, both of which are awesome for your heart.

Also know that some of these modern margarines are masquerading as "plant-based" alternatives. Don't buy into the the hype.

While fat has more calories per gram than carbohydrates and protein, it is an essential nutrient that you must eat enough of each day and ideally include at nearly every meal and snack.

You also need it to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. For example, vitamins D and E help support good heart health but, if you're eating a meal with them that doesn't provide adequate fat, they may just be excreted. “Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of heart attack, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects vascular cells,” says Jones. So, go with full or low fat.

“Marketing of products such as Red Bull, Monster, and RockStar drinks may make you think you need them to feel energized, but the reality is that on top of high doses of caffeine, they contain mixtures of other stimulants that are not well regulated and have no established upper limit values,” says Jones.

While the term "propriety blend" makes it sound elitist and Americans often have the thought that "more is better" when compounds in these blends are present, the reality is these drinks have been linked to cardiac events, especially when mixed with alcohol or taken before or during exercise, she says.

And those with high blood pressure are at an especially high risk of adverse reactions. Ditch these and go for coffee or tea, instead. Or just eat energy boosting foods, like a high protein snack to wake that body and mind up.

“While drinking on occasion shouldn't be problematic, regular daily intake of alcohol, even in moderation increases the risk of high blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke,” Jones says.

Moderate is defined as "up to one drink per day for women" and "up to two drinks per men" with a drink being equal to 12 ounces of your average beer, five ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of liquor.

However, the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Scientific Committee did recommend reducing the definition of moderate for men to just one drink per day due to the associated risk for high blood pressure. So, cut back to protect your heart as best as possible.

The breading and oil bump up the calories—and it's not like they're good calories. Calories devoid of nutrients are often called "empty" calories. Except that that's not how they make you feel. Empty calories can actually leave you feeling bloated, and a diet that is rife with them can often lead to weight gain, which can lead to weight-related heart health issues. It's fine to partake once and while. Just don't make frying your go-to way to cook your food.

Some people call this stuff "coffee," but as soon as you start adding sugary syrups and whipped cream and caramel sauces, you've taken what is what is an otherwise heart-healthy drink and loaded it up with those empty calories. Remember: The fewer adjectives in your coffee order, the better it is for you.