The Five Worst Heart “Healthy” Foods

See my previous post, Are sterol esters the next "trans" fat?

5) Bananas - People will say to me, "I eat fruit. Two bananas a day." What I hear is "I don't really eat fruit with high nutrient value, fiber, and low sugar content. I reach for only bananas which yield extreme blood sugar rises." A single 9-inch banana contains 34 mg carbohydrates, of which 18.5 grams are sugar, only 4 grams fiber. Bananas are among the least flavonoid-rich compared to high-flavonoid fruits like berries and citrus.

Aren't bananas high in potassium? Yes, but there are better sources. One 9-inch banana contains 550 mg potassium, while one avocado contains 660 mg, one medium grapefruit contains 356 mg, one cup of carrot juice contains 689 mg, an 8-oz container of yogurt contains 531 mg. (Source: USDA Food Database.)

Why the mis-perceptions?

Many of these misbegotten notions of "heart healthy" are holdovers from the low-fat nutritional mistakes of the past 40 years¾you know, the diet that has created a nation of obese diabetics. "Heart healthy" is also a popular marketing claim made by food manufacturers based on low fat and saturated fat content.  

Of course, foods are meant to be enjoyed, but be informed about it. Choose foods for the right reasons, not because of some cleverly-crafted, but misguided, marketing campaign.

Don't be fooled: Many products bearing claims of "heart healthy" are the farthest from it.