Think Twice Before Ditching 8 Heart-Friendly Junk Foods
When it comes to heart health, many people assume that eating junk food is a guaranteed way to damage your cardiovascular system. However, some so-called "junk foods" may offer surprising benefits that could help improve heart health.
For example, dark chocolate, often seen as an indulgence, is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow.
In moderation, dark chocolate may even lower the risk of heart disease by enhancing vascular health. Another heart-friendly junk food is popcorn. While it's often loaded with butter at the movie theater, when prepared with minimal oil or air-popped, popcorn is a whole grain that’s high in fiber and antioxidants.
This makes it a healthier snack choice that could support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve digestion.
Nuts and seeds are also often considered junk food due to their high-calorie content, but they’re packed with healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, that can reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol, both of which are beneficial for heart health.
Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are excellent choices for snacking and are heart-healthy when consumed in reasonable amounts. Frozen yogurt, too, may be an unexpected ally in heart health.
It contains probiotics that can support gut health and even aid in reducing cholesterol levels, while offering a lighter alternative to ice cream. Choosing plain frozen yogurt over the sugar-laden varieties can make it a heart-friendly option.
Another surprising contender is the humble French fry. Though often deep-fried, if prepared at home with olive oil, they can actually provide heart-healthy fats and a source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.