Foods That Can "Break" Your Heart

"Canned soups are popular especially in the winter months, because they are warm, hearty, and generally inexpensive. However, they are bad for the heart because they contain excessive amounts of sodium (salt). Excess sodium is unhealthy for the heart because it causes the body to retain water, consequently putting a burden on the blood vessels and heart, leading to high blood pressure and ultimately the possible development of heart disease. According to The American Heart Association, the daily-recommended sodium intake is 1,500 milligrams – or ¾ of a teaspoon per day. Canned soups do come in low-sodium varieties and are labeled accordingly. A canned soup that contains less than 140 milligrams per serving is considered low-sodium food. A low- sodium alternative to canned soups is to make your own broth-based soup with vegetables and lean proteins such as beans and chicken. This kind of soup will be high in fiber and protein and low in salt."

Tanya Zuckerbrot, registered dietician and creator of the F-Factor Diet.

"As healthy as spinach is for you [rich in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A] creamed spinach, unfortunately — not so much. Most recipes are made with butter and lots of heavy cream providing more than enough artery clogging saturated fats (around 12 grams per serving)."

Keri Gans, registered dietician and nutritionist

"Studies have shown heart benefits from chocolate and nuts; however, combine them with ice cream and whipped cream and you are looking a high-fat and high-calorie disaster. Definitely can be enjoyed once in a blue moon, but not on a regular basis, especially since one serving can provide around 20 grams of saturated fat."

Keri Gans

"You may not think you consume a lot of mayonnaise, but it's probably lurking in foods that you regularly consume, like salad dressing, egg salad, spicy tuna sushi rolls, dips, and coleslaw. One tablespoon of mayo has 10 grams of fat, and unless you are measuring the condiments you put on your BLT or dip your veggie sticks into, most people consume more like three to four tablespoons in one sitting. Mayo's high fat and saturated fat content causes total cholesterol levels as well as LDL cholesterol levels to rise. Over time, this may lead to clogged arteries, and increases your risk for heart disease. If mayo is a condiment you cannot live without, opt for a "light" variety, which generally contains closer to 4 grams of fat per tablespoon serving."

Tanya Zuckerbrot 

"A pastrami on rye can be a deli favorite for many, but heart-wise not a winner. Four ounces alone can provide 12 grams of saturated fat and 380 milligrams of sodium and that is if you are choosing to go basic. If you go for the works, as in a Reuben sandwich (pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing) you are looking at upwards of 980 calories, 2320 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of saturated fat."

Keri Gans

"White bread is made from refined flour, wheat that has been stripped of important nutrients such as fiber during processing. Because of this process, unlike whole wheat bread, a slice of white bread contains virtually no fiber, so you get none of this nutrient's benefits that have been shown to lower heart disease risk. High intake of refined carbohydrates such as white bread leads to an increase in triglycerides. The American Heart Association states that high blood triglyceride levels have been shown to increase risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reinforces this point reporting that high consumption of refined carbohydrates may lead to insulin resistance and increases the risk for heart disease."

Tanya Zuckerbrot