When it comes to maintaining heart health, what you drink can be just as important as what you eat. A cardiologist from Scarsdale, New York, Dr. Evan Levine, has taken to his popular TikTok channel, drevanlevine, to share alarming insights about beverages that are particularly harmful to your cardiovascular system. While sugary foods and drinks have long been known to negatively impact overall health, Dr. Levine’s breakdown of the “worst offenders” serves as a wake-up call for anyone looking to protect their heart.
The doctor emphasizes that moderation is key, but some drinks should be avoided altogether if you’re serious about safeguarding your heart. Let’s dive into the top four worst offenders—and why they made the list.
1. Soda: The Sugar Bomb
Dr. Levine doesn’t mince words when it comes to soda—he calls it “garbage.” In an interview with the NY Post, he explained that a single can of soda contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar or the equivalent amount of high-fructose corn syrup. This excessive sugar intake wreaks havoc on your body by:
- Raising triglyceride levels, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- Contributing to weight gain and obesity.
- Spiking blood sugar levels, potentially leading to insulin resistance and diabetes.
- Increasing the likelihood of heart-related complications.
To put it into perspective, Levine urges people to imagine drinking 1/5 of a cup of pure corn syrup every time they crack open a can of soda. “It’s harmful,” he says bluntly in his viral TikTok video. If you’re craving something fizzy, opt for sparkling water instead.
2. Frappuccinos: The Hidden Danger
For coffee lovers, this one might sting. Levine admits that his personal favorite drink—a grande iced frappuccino—made the list because of its shocking sugar and caffeine content. A typical frappuccino contains nearly 51 grams of sugar (that’s almost 13 teaspoons) and around 100mg of caffeine.
“This combination creates a perfect storm for triggering palpitations, especially in people with existing heart conditions,” Levine warns. He recalls experiencing a “sugar high” followed by a crash within two hours after consuming one himself. Beyond the immediate energy crash, these sugary coffee concoctions contribute to:
- Increased stress on the heart due to the dual effects of caffeine and sugar.
- Long-term risks like elevated blood pressure and weight gain.
If you need your caffeine fix, consider black coffee or tea without added sugars or syrups.
3. Alcohol: Not as Heart-Healthy as You Think
Continue Reading on the Next Page
