Our food choices are often influenced by foods readily available in grocery stores, served in popular cafes, or promoted on TV and social media. But are these choices always healthy? In a recent Instagram reel, veteran cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Jeremy London reveals four foods he always stays away from. Surprisingly, these foods are everyday staples that many of us eat on a regular basis. However, not all medical experts may agree with completely forgoing all these foods, especially the third item on his list. Let’s take a deeper look at his recommendations.
The US-based cardiovascular surgeon rules out these 4 foods:
1. Fast food
“Most of the items in fast food chains are just ‘food products’ rather than real food,” explains the doctor. According to Harvard Health, items like hamburgers, fries and sugary sodas can promote inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of plaque that builds up in the arteries. In contrast, studies show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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2. Soft drinks
The surgeon “advises avoiding both diet and regular soft drinks.” A recent 2024 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who consume sweetened beverages more than twice a week have an increased risk of heart disease, regardless of their level of physical activity. This risk increases even more for those who consume it daily.
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3. Milk and milk products
The doctor suggests, “We are the only mammals that continue to drink milk after infancy, and we are getting it from a different species. Think about that.” However, opinions vary about dairy. In an article titled ‘What is the connection between dairy and heart health?’ on Harvard Health, Dr. Joan Manson writes, “Moderate intake of full-fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet.”
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4. Alcohol
“Alcohol is toxic to every cell in our body,” says the cardiac surgeon. “Even moderate or occasional consumption can be detrimental to our health. If we are striving to improve our health, eliminating alcohol should be our priority.”
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only and should not be substituted for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for personal guidance. NDTV does not endorse the views expressed in this article.
