Two cardiologists shared some ‘unhealthy’ foods and drinks they enjoy, despite their mixed reputations.
Dr. Matthew Kahn and Dr. Charlie Cox recently spoke with Stylist, revealing some of their cheat foods, which are best enjoyed in moderation.
It’s easy to feel tempted to enjoy a glass of wine after a challenging day at work, but experts recommend that this shouldn’t become a daily ritual.
Savoring a drink while adhering to recommended alcohol guidelines is perfectly acceptable; it’s all about finding the right balance, as the two cardiologists pointed out.
Chocolate
Who doesn’t love chocolate? The key is to not keep it readily available to avoid overindulging.
When cravings strike, Dr. Kahn suggests that a few squares of dark chocolate a week can be a healthy addition to your diet.
He noted, “High-cocoa dark chocolate (70% or more) contains flavonoids, which may promote blood vessel health and help mildly lower blood pressure.”
Dr. Cox concurred, adding, “Cacao is one of the richest sources of polyphenols. The flavanols have genuine cardiovascular benefits. Brands like Ombar and Hu are my go-to choices.”
We’ve heard about the health benefits of dark chocolate (Getty Stock Photo)
Eggs
Eggs have long been labeled as unhealthy by some, primarily due to their cholesterol content, with each yolk containing about 180mg of cholesterol.
Dr. Kahn asserted, “While eggs have been criticized for their cholesterol, for most people, dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels.”
He believes that including an egg a day in a healthy adult’s diet is perfectly fine. Eggs are also an excellent source of essential nutrients like choline and lutein, promoting overall health.
Eggs are generally seen as pretty healthy by most people (Getty Stock Photo)
Wine
A favorite for unwinding after a tough week, Dr. Cox enjoys his wine.
He noted, “The nuance often overlooked is the social aspect of alcohol. The happiness derived from having a drink with friends follows a trade-off analysis: the enjoyable moment against minimal cardiovascular risks that mostly diminish when considering drinking habits and quality.”
He advises choosing cleaner options like mezcal or quality natural wine, which usually contain fewer additives and sulfites than standard spirits and conventional wines. “You’ll notice a difference in how you feel the next day,” he added.
Dr. Cox also stressed that he is not promoting drinking.
Wine can certainly have its benefits (Getty Stock Photo)
Caffeinated Coffee
While past concerns have linked coffee to heart health problems, Dr. Kahn highlighted a shift in understanding.
“Coffee used to be blamed for heart issues, but the research now tells a different story,” he stated.
“Moderate consumption of about two to four cups daily is now associated with a reduced risk of heart failure and some heart rhythm disturbances in specific individuals. While it may temporarily raise blood pressure, habitual drinkers generally adapt.”
Pre-packaged Bread
For his morning toast, Dr. Cox prefers sourdough bread, citing its long fermentation process involving wild bacteria and yeast. This pre-digests the starch and breaks down some gluten, significantly lowering the glycemic impact compared to regular bread.
Full-fat Dairy
Although semi-skimmed or low-fat dairy options can promote better health, Dr. Kahn enjoys full-fat versions in moderation.
He pointed out, “Butter and cheese often suffer from a negative reputation because of saturated fat. However, the saturated fat found in dairy doesn’t appear to have the same adverse effects as those in processed meats. In fact, some studies suggest a potential link between full-fat dairy consumption and a slightly lower risk of stroke.”
