Social media has enabled many people to access health advice. Thanks to doctors who are also willing to share their knowledge for free that we today know what is best for us, and that information is just a click away. Like many doctors, Dr Evan Levine, a cardiologist based in Scarsdale with over 30 years of experience who runs his TikTok channel shares such information. In one such video, he talks about the 4 worst drink that you could drink for your heart health. Believe it or not, your favorite coffee is one of them!

Dr Levine is honest, sometimes brutally honest and uses his comical ways to advice on topics.

These Are The Four Worst Drinks For Your Heart Health

Frappuccino

What tops the list is your favorite Frappuccino that you may have grabbed from a nearby coffee shop. The doctor says that caramel could be a poison arrow to your arteries. "A grande iced frap used to be my favorite,” Levine told The New York Post. “Until I realized I actually got a high off this stuff and then crashed within two hours.”

Why does this happen? It is because the drink contains 100mg of caffeine and 51 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to 13 teaspoons. He further goes on to say that people do not realize that this is as much sugar as an energy drink.

“It’s potentially dangerous stress on the heart for anyone with heart disease to drink these concoctions of caffeine and sugar and a perfect storm to induce palpitations,” he says.

Alcohol

Of course this had to be on the list. As per Levine, drinking alcohol is “likely safe if you have one or less drinks a day if you have no heart problems, but alcohol intake increases blood pressure, triglycerides, atrial fibrillation and — in higher doses — is a direct toxin to the heart, so much so we have a phrase in cardiology — alcohol cardiomyopathy.”

What is alcohol cardiomyopathy? It is a heart condition that is caused specifically by chronic heavy alcohol consumption. This can turn fatal.

While there are many studies that says that a glass of red wine, or couple of glasses of red wine may be good for your heart. However, Dr Levine has also debunked these theories. “There’s nothing heart healthy here and all those studies — most sponsored by the alcohol or wine industry — were likely flawed observational studies, with an association with better outcome but not causation,” he said.

Soda

A can of soda has 10 teaspoons of sugar in it, says the doctor. "It is toxic."

These are huge doses of sugar, especially the ones that comes from corn syrup, mostly used in the US. They raise triglycerides, and it can also lead to prominent weight gain. It can further spike your sugar levels and give your diabetes risk an uptick.

Energy Drinks

Of course energy drinks had to be on this list. As Dr Levine already drew a comparison it with your favorite coffee. They might work like batteries to your brain, but are acid for the heart.

“Drinks like Red Bull have about 1.5 times the caffeine as coffee but also contain almost eight teaspoons or more of sugar — or worse, corn syrup,” he said. “The Monster energy drink has almost 15 teaspoons of it.”

When it comes to finding fast and natural ways to relieve constipation, there are a variety of options available in the market—from eating fiber-rich fruits like prunes and beets to practicing specific yoga poses. Many people also turn to beverages such as coffee, tea, or fruit juices to get their bowels moving. However, hidden from a lot of people is another drink that might surprise you with its laxative potential—sugarcane juice.

Can Sugarcane Juice Trigger Bowl Moments

Sugarcane juice is more than just a sweet refreshment. Speaking to Health Digest, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Lena Bakovic explained that sugarcane juice is a natural source of dietary fiber, which we know and recognize in the scientific community for its properties and benefits to digestive and cardiovascular health. Fiber intake can produce laxative-like properties, which, when combined with sufficient water intake, may aid/relieve symptoms of constipation.

That means the next time you're feeling backed up, a glass of sugarcane juice could be your unexpected ally. However, the texture of sugarcane juice, once extracted from the stalk, tends to be thick and syrupy— something not everyone may enjoy. To make it more palatable, it’s often recommended to dilute it with water or combine it with another fruit juice that supports digestion.

More Than Just a Digestive Aid

While sugarcane juice may be gaining popularity in the West, it's already a dietary staple in many Eastern countries. In India, for example, “Ganne Ka Ras” is often consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for its positive effects on digestive health. Besides being an excellent diatery aid, it is also used for hydration, detoxification, and even weight management. Many also believe it contributes to healthier skin.

"Besides the fiber content, sugarcane juice does contain some antioxidants, namely flavonoids," Bakovic explained. "Antioxidants, which are present in many plant-based foods, contribute in fighting off free radical damage, which, when present in excess, contributes to oxidative stress and eventually cancer and other chronic diseases."

Packed With Essential Minerals

Sugarcane juice also delivers essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are important for muscle and nerve function, as well as heart health. It’s even a good source of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. And the benefits don't stop at ingestion. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules found that sugarcane extracts can help reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration when applied to wounds.

A Word Of Caution

Despite its numerous health advantages, sugarcane juice comes with a high natural sugar content. A 100-gram serving contains around 73.2 grams of sugar. It should most definitely be consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals who may be living with diabetes. The excess sugar can spike blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain over time if consumed frequently. To conclude, it must be noted that sugarcane juice can be a powerful addition to your constipation relief toolkit — but like all things, it is best in moderation.

ALSO READ: US Pharma Giant Launches Liraglutide Injections In US Amid Victoza Shortage

Recovering from a tear or fracture in a bone can be challenging. Taking a well-balanced and right diet can prove to be a game-changer in this recovery process. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for healing a bone fracture, following a whole-food eating pattern can make a significant difference.

How Does Diet Influence Bone Health?

Bones are made of several minerals, most notably calcium and phosphorous. Nearly all the calcium and phosphorous in the food you eat ends up in your bones. So when you’re healing from a fracture, it’s crucial to get these nutrients in your diet. Health experts across the world emphasise that these key bone nutrients either play a part in the bone-building process or become part of the bone itself.

What Should You Eat?

Health experts suggest a whole-foods approach, which emphasizes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, beans, and seeds. It is recommended to start with calcium- and phosphorus-rich foods, as these are fundamental building blocks for bones. Once those needs are met, other nutrients can be added through a diverse diet.

Calcium And Phosphorus-Rich Foods

For optimal calcium intake, experts suggest including foods like salmon, cheese, green vegetables, and eggs to your diet. Dairy, fish, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains all offer important nutrients for bone repair.

Dairy products and fortified dairy alternatives, such as almond or soy milk, are excellent sources of calcium. Leafy greens—like collard greens, bok choy, kale, and turnip greens—also contribute significantly. Sardines and other canned small fish provide calcium through their tiny, edible bones.

As for phosphorus, Oliveira notes that most people already consume adequate amounts, since it’s widespread in foods. Common sources include animal proteins, dairy and non-dairy milk substitutes, nuts, beans, and whole grains.

Ensuring Adequate Vitamin D

Although foods like cod liver oil and fatty fish are naturally high in vitamin D, they may also contain mercury or excessive vitamin A if consumed in large quantities. Vitamin D-fortified foods can help meet daily requirements. Additionally, the body synthesizes vitamin D through sun exposure. However, limited sun exposure, especially in winter, may necessitate supplements.

Vitamin K From Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens that are rich in calcium are also rich in vitamin K.. Those already consuming plenty of these vegetables are likely meeting their vitamin K needs.

Vitamin C For Bone Healing

Vitamin C is abundant in many fruits and vegetables. “You can meet your daily vitamin C needs with one orange,” says Oliveira. While supplements are common, Oliveira prefers that people obtain this nutrient from food, which also provides antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

Iron For Bone Support

Iron is another key nutrient, particularly in fracture recovery. Heme iron from animal sources is most easily absorbed by the body, but plant-based sources—such as beans, nuts, and seeds—also contribute. Meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish are reliable sources of iron as well.

Protein: A Crucial Component

During the healing process, an increased protein intake is beneficial. “High-iron foods also usually have protein,” says Oliveira. Even those following vegetarian or vegan diets can meet their needs with options like dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, firm tofu, and tempeh.

On a day-to-day basis, there are many trends that come and go, including trends in nutrients. One that has always stuck around is that we all must say no to fried foods. Not an unknown thought; we all know that it is not good for us. It is also linked with health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. However, there is no denying the fact that they are, in fact, crispy, crunchy, and delicious. This is what makes it hard to resist.

But the good news is that you do not have to give it up. With better and smarter cooking techniques, and of course better ingredients, you can now enjoy the taste without compromising your health.

Why Does Deep Frying Have A Bad Reputation?

Most of the health concerns come from the food that is fried. This is when your food is completely submerged in hot oil. This method makes the food soap up more fat as compared to other techniques like pan-frying and sautéing.

More fat also means more calories. For instance, a 3.5 ounce baked potato has about 93 calories, while the same amount of French fries will have roughly 312 calories. The problem, however, does not stop here. Deep frying also often has thick batters or breadcrumbs. It can add extra calories and a high amount of sodium.

In fact, repeated heating of oil could also make it worse. This is how food is actually prepared in the restaurants, in fryers. Every time the oil is reheated, it breaks down and forms toxic byproducts that could also cause inflammation in the body.

What Are The Healthier Ways To Fry Food At Home?

If you want to enjoy healthier alternatives at your home, these are the ways you can try in your own kitchen:

Limit Restaurant-Fried Food

Nate Wood, who is the director of culinary medicine at Yale School of Medicine, as reported in The Washington Post, says the main issue is not the homemade fries, but the frequently consumed food fried in reused oil in the restaurant. Many places reheat the same oil over and over, and for days, it produces more harmful compounds every time it is reheated.

Choose Better Frying Methods

There are new alternatives to frying food now. Instead of deep frying, you can also go for pan frying or pan searing at home. These methods usually use a thin layer of oil and cook food for a shorter time. What is even better is that when you sauté food, it also requires a small amount of oil and constant stirring. It also cooks food faster and at a lower temperature, which helps it to absorb fewer fats.

Watch Your Coating

The flour or the batter that you use can also make a big difference in how many calories you are consuming in your fried food. Just ¼ cup of a popular seasoned batter mix can contain 100 calories and more than 1,000 mg of sodium — nearly half the recommended daily limit. Also, batters soak up oil, especially all-purpose flour. Lighter alternatives like cornmeal or chickpea flour absorb less and offer more nutrients.

Pick The Right Oil

Not all oils are good for frying. Oils which are rich in monosaturated fats like olive oils, avocado oils and canola oils have a more stable temperature and thus produce fewer harmful by-products.

Use An Air Fryer Instead

Air fryers use hot air instead of oil and still give food the crisp texture that you want in your fried food. It could be the best suitable option for your light snack in the evening.