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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
10 foods a cardiologist avoids after 20 years treating heart disease
From coconut oil to wheat bread, these everyday foods may not be as heart-healthy as you think, says US-based cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, who reveals his 'never-buy' list Barkha Mathur New Delhi Have you ever reached for 'healthy' foods like coconut oil or whole wheat bread, believing you're making heart-smart choices? Well, you might be unknowingly risking your heart's health. After treating heart diseases for 20 years, California-based Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, cardiologist and director of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine has shared 10 foods he would never buy. 'These might shock you… especially #6,' he wrote in his post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay Bhojraj MD | Functional Medicine Doctor (@doctorsanjaymd) Some 'healthy' foods actually bad for your heart According to Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, many foods that seem heart-healthy can actually spike inflammation, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels, all harmful for your heart. He warns that attractive labels and 'natural' tags can easily mislead us into thinking we're making the right choices. 'I've seen this play out with hundreds of patients,' he said. 10 foods to avoid as recommended by Dr Bhojraj 1. Agave syrup Agave syrup is often marketed as a better sugar substitute, but Dr Bhojraj pointed out that it rapidly raises triglyceride levels, the most common type of fat in your body. Elevated triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease, despite the 'healthy' reputation agave enjoys. 2. Coconut oil Surprisingly, coconut oil is on the cardiologist's 'never-buy' list. Though trendy for its supposed health benefits, coconut oil is high in saturated fats that can inflame arteries and worsen heart conditions, especially when consumed in large amounts. 3. Store-bought granola Dr Bhojraj cautions that most store-bought granola is ultra-processed and loaded with hidden sugars, making it far from the nutritious snack many believe it to be. 4. Whole wheat bread Not all whole wheat bread is created equal. Dr Bhojraj said many are just brown-coloured white bread loaded with additives. They lack real nutritional value and can cause unnecessary blood sugar spikes. 5. Flavoured Greek yoghurt While Greek yoghurt is high in protein, the flavoured versions can pack in large amounts of hidden sugars. According to Dr Bhojraj, these sugars can silently contribute to inflammation and heart risk. 6. Plant-based meat substitutes Plant-based doesn't always mean heart-healthy. Dr Bhojraj warned that many meat substitutes are full of inflammatory seed oils, sodium, and synthetic additives that can harm your body in the long run. 7. Rice cakes Rice cakes might seem like a light snack, but they are high glycemic and low in nutrients, which can cause quick blood sugar spikes and crashes, a 'blood sugar rollercoaster' that's bad for heart health. 8. Bottled green juices Don't be fooled by their green colour. The cardiologist said bottled green juices are often 'fructose bombs in disguise', loaded with sugars that can silently damage your cardiovascular system. 9. Flavoured sparkling waters Be cautious of sparkling waters that boast 'natural flavours'. The cardiologist claims they often contain synthetic chemicals and acids that can erode the gut lining, which can indirectly impact heart health. 10. Gluten-free processed snacks Dr Bhojraj said gluten-free processed snacks may have clever marketing, but they can still be highly inflammatory, offering little to no heart health benefits. How can you make heart-smart food choices? The key is to look beyond the labels. Just because something says 'natural', 'whole', or 'plant-based' doesn't mean it's automatically good for you. Dr Bhojraj advised avoiding ultra-processed foods, watching out for hidden sugars, and not blindly trusting health claims. It's all about reading ingredients and being mindful of what truly supports heart health. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist shares 10 foods he will never buy after ‘treating heart disease for 20 years': Coconut oil to wheat bread
There are certain everyday foods that we think are healthy for us, but they do more harm than good. Some are even harmful to your heart in the long term. But, what if you had a list of food items to avoid? Then, you would know what to buy and avoid. Coconut oil consumed in large amounts is harmful to your health, as it is high in saturated fats. (Unsplash) Also Read | Cardiologist explains why 'strength training is your retirement plan': Whether you're 20 or 60, lifting weights builds… Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, cardiologist and director of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, shared a list of 10 foods that he would never buy as a cardiologist who has treated heart diseases for about 20 years. In a post shared on May, Dr Bhojraj listed the foods and wrote, 'These might shock you… especially #6.' 1. Agave syrup According to the cardiologist, agave syrup is often marketed as a healthy sugar alternative, but it spikes triglycerides fast. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they are a type of fat, called lipids, that circulates in your blood and is the most common type of fat in your body. Triglycerides come from foods, especially butter, oils, other fats you eat, and extra calories your body does not need right away. 2. Coconut oil Dr Bhojraj stressed that coconut oil consumed in large amounts is harmful for your health as it is high in saturated fats, which is not great for already inflamed arteries. 3. Store-bought granola Per the cardiologist, store-bought granola is often ultra-processed and full of hidden sugars. 4. 'Whole wheat' bread Often, 'whole wheat' bread is a go-to option for people looking for a healthier alternative to bread. However, the cardiologist stressed that whole wheat bread might come with additives, and most are just brown-colored white bread. 5. Flavoured Greek yoghurt Flavoured Greek yoghurt has tons of sugar hiding behind the protein, Dr Bhojraj wrote in the post. 6. Plant-based meat substitutes According to the cardiologist, plant-based meat substitutes are often full of seed oils, sodium, and additives. 7. Rice cakes Rice cakes are high glycemic and low in nutrients, which means they are a sure-shot 'blood sugar rollercoaster'. 8. Bottled green juices Dr Bhojraj stressed that bottled green juices are a 'fructose bomb in disguise.' 9. Flavoured sparkling water with 'natural flavours' Often, flavoured sparkling water that claims they have 'natural flavours' contains synthetic chemicals and acids that erode the gut lining, the cardiologist claimed. 10. Gluten-free processed snacks Lastly, Dr Bhojraj said that gluten-free processed snacks are just as inflammatory. They just come with better branding. Why these? Per the cardiologist, what looks healthy on the label isn't always heart-healthy. He added, 'I've seen this play out with hundreds of patients. Inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and nutrient depletion don't always come from junk food.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
10 daily habits for a healthy heart, as approved by a cardiologist
For decades the conversation around heart-related diseases and cardiovascular health has revolved around high cholesterol numbers, cutting down on red meat and prescribed medicines. But what if you knew there was a shortcut to keeping your heart healthy and young? With over 20 years of clinical experience, Sanjay Bhojraj, a leading cardiologist, says that the real key to preventing any heart-related disease lies not just in lab results or restrictive diets but in how we live each day. 'It is not just about what's on your plate; it is about what you do from the moment you wake up,' the doctor says. Here are ten daily habits, according to this cardiologist, who personally follows and recommends this to his patients. Walk least 7,000-10,000 steps a day Move more, live longer; make this your motto if you want to lead a healthy life. Daily movement has long been associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. But it is not about hitting the gym hard; it is simply walking'. A simple walk reduces blood pressure, and supports healthy blood sugar.' Begin the day with 25-30g of Protein Consuming sugary foods in the morning might give a temporary high, but it is protein that stabilizes blood sugar and keeps hunger at bay. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo More importantly, it helps in maintaining lean muscle mass, a key marker of longevity. Think of eggs, yogurt, and a protein shake; consuming protein in the morning helps to prevent the energy crashes. Do not skip magnesium and Vitamin K2 Magnesium plays a critical role in regulating heartbeat and calming down the blood vessels, while Vitamin K2 ensures calcium is directed to the bones, not the arteries. Deficiencies in these nutrients are common and often overlooked. Stay off screens for 30-60 minutes after waking As soon as we wake up, our hands automatically search for our mobile phones. Opening your phone immediately upon waking can spike cortisol, the stress hormone. That matters because chronic stress is a known contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Stay away from the digital things in your house for a much healthier day. Get sunlight in the morning Morning light is not just good for the mood; it is also good for the body. it sets your internal clock, stabilizes the hormones, and improves sleep. Drink water before coffee Most people roll out of bed and go straight for the caffeine, but beginning the day with water is a better choice. You dry out overnight. Hydrating ahead of coffee stabilizes blood pressure and averts that jittery, anxious morning. Avoid the ultra-processed snacks Packaged cookies, veggie chips, and protein bars usually have inflammatory seed oils and hidden sugars. These help to fuel the advancement of arterial plaque and oxidative stress. "If it's packaged and has more than five ingredients, think twice," advises the cardiologist. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate variability on a weekly basis Blood pressure is still one of the most consistent predictors of cardiovascular wellness. In the meantime, heart rate variability (HRV), or the space between beats, is becoming recognized as an indicator of nervous system equilibrium. Consider BP your daily check-in and HRV your stress report card. Practice nasal breathing when walking Mouth breathing is more prevalent than one might expect—and maybe even dangerous. Nasal breathing, particularly during low-level activity such as walking, increases the production of nitric oxide and engages the body's rest-and-digest system. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Cardiologist Shares the 10 Foods He Would Never Eat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After more than 15 years of treating heart disease from inside the body, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj decided it was time to start preventing it from the outside. The 48-year-old interventional cardiologist from Orange County, California, known as @doctorsanjaymd online, has drawn viral attention for a video in which he lists the top 10 foods he would never purchase and eat again—based on everything he has learned from his near two decades working with heart patients. "I realized that the conventional medical system was too focused on prescriptions and procedures—and not nearly focused enough on the immense power of diet and lifestyle to transform health," Bhojraj told Newsweek. Posted on March 29, the Instagram video shows Bhojraj in his kitchen as he delivers a rapid-fire list of foods that have no place in his family's pantry. It has since been viewed more than 4.5 million times and liked by more than 52,000 Instagram users. Most viewers responded with applause, calling the cardiologist's advice both practical and eye-opening. In the video, Bhojraj outlines the foods he avoids, many of which are often marketed as health-conscious choices in supermarkets but, according to him, are anything but. The 10 Foods Bhojraj Would Never Eat 1. Agave syrup. While often promoted as a natural sugar substitute, Bhojraj said it "spikes triglycerides fast," which is a risk factor for heart disease. 2. Coconut oil in large amounts. "High in saturated fat is not great for already inflamed arteries," he said. 3. Store-bought granola. "Often ultra-processed and full of hidden sugars," he said, making it a far cry from the wholesome food it often pretends to be. 4. Whole wheat bread with additives. According to Bhojraj, "most are just brown-colored white bread" that fails to deliver the benefits of true whole grains. 5. Flavored Greek yogurt. Despite its high-protein appeal, the interventional cardiologist said it often hides "tons of sugar behind the protein." 6. Plant-based meat substitutes. Bhojraj criticized these for being "full of seed oils, sodium, and additives." 7. Rice cakes. These low-calorie snacks, he says, are "high glycemic, low nutrient," leading to a "blood sugar roller coaster." 8. Bottled green juices. "Fructose bombs in disguise," he warned, referencing the high sugar content often found in commercial juice blends. 9. Flavored sparkling water with "natural flavors." Bhojraj said some of these drinks "contain synthetic chemicals and acids that erode gut lining." 10. Gluten-free processed snacks. "Just as inflammatory, just with better branding," he added, cautioning against the false health halo surrounding gluten-free labeling for those who are not intolerant. Bhojraj's decision to advocate for better health choices on social media stems from what he describes as a fundamental flaw in modern medicine's approach to chronic disease. That realization led him to pursue certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine and to develop Well12, a wellness program focused on sustainable lifestyle changes. "I started my social media journey reluctantly—I never set out to be an 'influencer,'" he said. "But the reach of this reel and others like it has made it clear that I can help far more people online than I ever could seeing patients one-on-one in clinic." From left: Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj poses for a headshot; and slices vegetables in an Instagram video. From left: Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj poses for a headshot; and slices vegetables in an Instagram video. @doctorsanjaymd A key tenet of his philosophy is eating as close to nature as possible. "I jokingly tell people I follow the '1825 Diet'—meaning I try to only eat foods that existed 200 years ago, before our food supply was hijacked by preservatives, artificial additives, and industrial processing," Bhojraj said. "Our bodies were designed over millions of years to run on whole, unprocessed foods—not the 'designer' products of modern food science." He argues that this disconnect between biology and modern food is a core contributor to rising rates of metabolic illness and cancer. "As a cardiologist who spent years inside people's arteries, I have seen firsthand the damage these lifestyle patterns cause—and I am committed to changing that through education and awareness," he said. Dr. Elizabeth Klodas is a preventative cardiologist and founder of Step One Foods, a Mayo Clinic-backed food company. And she agreed with the majority of Bhojraj's advice. "Agave syrup is very high in fructose and excess fructose is rapidly metabolized into triglycerides by the liver," she said. "That will leave you with an unfavorable cholesterol profile." "I also agree that coconut oil in large amounts is not great for already inflamed arteries...I would say avoid it altogether if you can because saturated fats are pro-inflammatory and can raise low-density lipoprotein also known as the 'bad' cholesterol, consider avocado oil for high heat cooking instead." She added that store-purchased granola is often ultra-processed and full of hidden sugars, while agreeing that bottled green juices—which she extends to all bottled juices—are simply "fructose bombs in disguise." She drew a line at the interventional cardiologist's banishing of whole wheat bread, arguing that not all loaves are "brown-colored white bread" with additives. "To be labeled 'whole wheat' bread must be made with flour that comes from grinding the entire wheat kernel," she said. "This means that the bread retains all the properties of the whole grain. " "Whole grain breads may use other types of grains as part of the flour, but the entire grain kernels still have to be used to make that flour, while wheat bread can be made with any component of a wheat kernel, so it may be missing one or more of the components of the whole kernel." By this logic, brown "wheat bread" would be a better fit to Bhojraj's description. "Multigrain breads, though they sound healthy and contain more than one grain, can also be refined," she added. "In summary, for bread, choose ones labeled 'whole wheat' or 'whole grain,' because consuming whole grains has been shown to help promote better lipid levels and health outcomes." The video's massive traction online seems t show that Bhojraj's message is resonating. "I have been genuinely surprised by the overwhelming response to my post, but I think it reflects a larger truth: people are hungry for credible, actionable health information outside the confines of the conventional medical system," Bhojraj said. "And I am honored that so many see me as a trusted voice in this space." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
