Foods Bad for Heart Health: These 6 foods, often mistaken for 'healthy', can increase heart risk; a cardiologist warns.

News Topical, Digital Desk : In today's times, choosing healthy foods can feel like achieving a major goal. Labels like "natural," "heart-friendly," or "wholesome" gradually become habits and reassure us that we're eating right. But behind the shiny labels and big nutrition buzzwords, some foods, while generally considered healthy, can quietly harm the heart.

Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist specializing in heart failure and heart transplants, shared six such "healthy" foods in an Instagram post on November 22nd that could be risky for some people's heart. "Things that people consider healthy can harm your heart," Dr. Yaranov wrote in his caption. “The point isn't that these foods are bad, but that your heart, kidneys, and medications determine how your body handles salt, potassium, and metabolism.”

Bananas
are rich in potassium. However, if your kidneys are not functioning properly or you are taking medications like spironolactone or ARNI, potassium levels in your body can rise to dangerous levels, which can affect your heart rate.

Grapefruit
Grapefruit interferes with the liver's process of breaking down certain medications. This could cause drug levels to rise well above safe limits in transplant patients or those taking certain medications.

 Spinach
is also rich in potassium and can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin. Dr. Yaranov says spinach is healthy, but regular and balanced intake is key, not "overeating."

Soy sauce
Soy sauce is very high in sodium. This can cause water retention. Doctors warn that "after just one sushi night, the next day can start with shortness of breath and weight gain."

 Licorice: 
True black licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. It's often hidden in teas, supplements, or flavored products without people realizing it.

Alcohol
acts as a direct poison to the heart. Alcohol has been a major cause of heart health deterioration in many patients.

Dr. Yaranov explains that food isn't simply "good" or "bad." It interacts with your medications, test results, and heart condition. Therefore, it's important to understand your body, know your numbers, and stay ahead of your health.

Read More: Foods Bad for Heart Health: These 6 foods, often mistaken for 'healthy', can increase heart risk; a cardiologist warns.