When we think of heart-damaging foods, the first things that come to mind are junk food, fried snacks, and sugary treats. But what if some of the foods we eat daily — believing they’re harmless or even healthy — are actually harming our heart?

According to health experts in the U.S., several commonly consumed foods can gradually damage heart arteries, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a board-certified interventional cardiologist from the United States, explains five such foods that may look safe but silently affect your heart health.

Oils like corn, soybean, sunflower, and canola oil are used in most households for daily cooking. However, Dr. Bhojraj warns that these oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Over time, this damages heart arteries and increases the risk of heart attacks — even if cholesterol levels appear normal.

Many people switch to sugar-free or “zero sugar” foods thinking they’re heart-friendly. But experts say these contain artificial sweeteners that can disrupt gut bacteria and affect insulin regulation.
Regular use of such products has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders in the long run.

Flavored yogurts may taste delicious, but they’re often loaded with added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Consuming them frequently can raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels, while offering little nutritional value.
They also lack enough protein or fiber to keep you full, which leads to overeating — further straining your heart health.

Protein bars are marketed as a healthy snack, but most are packed with sugar, seed oils, and processed ingredients.
Despite their name, many protein bars are high in calories but low in actual protein, leading to blood sugar spikes and inflammation, both of which increase heart disease risk.

Vegetable chips are often seen as a healthy alternative to potato chips, but that’s far from true. They are usually fried in seed oils and contain excess sodium, both of which can raise blood pressure and damage heart arteries.
Experts recommend eating fresh vegetables or homemade baked snacks instead of packaged vegetable chips.