Why Fried and Fast Foods Are Bad for Your Heart: Top Studies Explained
Giving up fried and fast foods is like saying goodbye to an old, mischievous friend who always convinced you to “live a little” while secretly sabotaging your health. Sure, the sizzling crunch of fries and the tempting aroma of fried chicken might haunt your dreams at first, but imagine trading that greasy fling for a healthier heart and pants that fit better! The sacrifice may sting (like passing by your favorite drive-thru without stopping), but future-you, happily jogging up the stairs without wheezing, will thank you. And hey, roasted veggies can be delicious too—just think of them as fries in disguise.
Why Should You Avoid Fried and Fast Foods for Heart Health?
Fried and fast foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and burgers, are loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories, which contribute to heart disease in several ways. They increase cholesterol levels, raise blood pressure, and promote obesity, all of which strain the cardiovascular system. Below are three studies that explain the risks:
1. Fried Foods and Heart Disease
A study published in The BMJ in 2019 analyzed data from over 500,000 participants and found that frequent consumption of fried foods significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
Key takeaway: Each additional weekly serving of fried food raises the risk of heart disease and related mortality.
Read the study
2. Fast Food and Atherosclerosis
Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the link between fast-food consumption and arterial damage. Eating fast foods regularly increases cholesterol levels and promotes plaque buildup in arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.
Key takeaway: Even a single high-fat fast-food meal can temporarily damage arterial function.
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3. Saturated Fats and Cardiovascular Risk
A 2020 meta-analysis in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology evaluated the effects of saturated fats, which are commonly found in fried and fast foods. The study concluded that diets high in saturated fats are directly linked to increased LDL (bad cholesterol), leading to heart disease.
Key takeaway: Reducing saturated fat intake, especially from fried foods, lowers cardiovascular risks.
Read the study
By The Numbers
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death both in the United States and worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:
In the United States
Approximately 928,741 deaths were attributed to cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for about 1 in 4 deaths annually. This includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.
Worldwide
Globally, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for about 18.6 million deaths annually, making up roughly 31% of all deaths. Most of these deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, often preventable with lifestyle changes and medical care.
These figures highlight the urgent need for heart health awareness and preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.