Great question! Not all calories are created equal — and this is especially relevant for heart health. The level of food processing really does matter, even when calorie counts look the same on paper.
Ultraprocessed foods (think packaged snacks, frozen meals, sugary drinks, and processed meats) tend to be high in:
- Saturated Show Full Answer
Great question! Not all calories are created equal — and this is especially relevant for heart health. The level of food processing really does matter, even when calorie counts look the same on paper.
Ultraprocessed foods (think packaged snacks, frozen meals, sugary drinks, and processed meats) tend to be high in:
- Saturated fat
- Added sugars
- Sodium
- Artificial additives
These ingredients can negatively affect heart health, raising blood pressure, increasing triglycerides, and promoting inflammation.
Whole, minimally processed foods — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins — are handled differently by the body. They tend to support better blood sugar control, lower cholesterol, and healthier weight management, all of which are important for a healthy heart.
One MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared, "I don't eat starch anymore, especially after finding out how much my triglycerides have come down. It's amazing."
The takeaway? Focusing on *food quality*, not just calories, is a smart strategy for managing heart health. When in doubt, check nutrition labels and aim to limit foods high in saturated fat, added sugar, and salt. Always check with your doctor before making significant dietary changes, especially if you're on medications like blood thinners.
October 6
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