Doctor lists 12 foods to avoid for healthy heart – you're likely eating most of them

It's no secret that some foods are better for us than others. There are some items that specifically wreak havoc on your heart, but thankfully a doctor has listed all the things you should avoid if you want to boost your cardiovascular health.

Dr Lott, an acupuncturist based in New York City, boasts more than 300,000 followers on TikTok, where he regularly shares healthy eating advice. In one of his popular clips, he addresses "foods that can damage your heart".

First on his list was "canned vegetables", which are bad for your heart as they often contain added salt and sugar. Opting for fresh fruit and vegetables is always the best way to go.

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On a similar note, Dr Lott also warned against "canned soup". Canned soup often contains lots of sodium, which can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Third on the list was "white rice", which is bad for your heart as it is a refined grain. Refined grains are quickly converted into sugar in our bodies, which is then stored as fat. Dr Lott also mentioned "syrup" and "cake icing" which, quite obviously, contain massive amounts of sugar.

Next on the list was "beer", which is bad for your heart in a number of ways. Alcohol is directly linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, and drinking too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle itself.

Drinking too much beer also leads to high blood pressure, and it's also obviously very calorific - leading to weight gain. The NHS recommends that men and women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread out over at least three days.

Dr Lott also mentioned "processed meat", which often contains high levels of salt and saturated fat, as well as "white bread". White bread is a refined carbohydrate and is bad for your heart in the same way as white rice.

"Energy drinks" were another to make the list, as the caffeine they contain can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. "Condiments" like ketchup pose a risk too, as they are often high in sugar and salt. Salt, which Dr Lott went on to mention specifically, is bad for your heart as it raises blood pressure.

Finally, Dr Lott mentioned "pastries". Pastries are made using lots of butter and sugar, meaning they are extremely calorific and high in fat.