Three 'Healthy' Foods a Cardiologist Says Are Secretly Hurting Your Heart

A Mayo Clinic cardiologist with a master's degree in nutrition is warning that some of the most popular so-called health foods are quietly contributing to high cholesterol and elevated heart disease risk. Dr. Kyla Lara-Breitinger, co-author of the new Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy, Happy Heart, says she regularly sees patients with puzzling cholesterol numbers whose diets are dominated by products marketed as nutritious — but loaded with hidden sugar, saturated fat, or artificial additives.

Protein-fortified packaged foods top her list of concern. Ready-to-drink shakes, flavored yogurts, and protein smoothies can contain more than 20 grams of sugar per serving — comparable to a soda or candy bar — and even low-sugar versions often rely on artificial sweeteners that may disrupt gut microbiome balance and drive cravings. Her preferred alternative: whole-food plant proteins like edamame, which deliver 20–30 grams of protein per serving alongside fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants.

Protein granola earns a similar warning. The processing required to make it taste good typically strips out the heart-protective fiber found in whole grains like oats, buckwheat, and millet, while adding sugar and fat. Lara-Breitinger recommends making granola at home or swapping it for a simple mix of nuts and fruit to preserve the cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory benefits of dietary fiber.

Perhaps the most counterintuitive culprit is coconut oil, a staple in vegan and natural-food products. Despite its health-food reputation, coconut oil contains more saturated fat than butter, lard, or beef tallow — and Lara-Breitinger says it's frequently the smoking gun behind unexpectedly high cholesterol in patients who otherwise eat carefully. It shows up widely in energy bars, baked goods, chips, and popcorn. Her broader philosophy isn't to ban these foods outright, but to read ingredient labels carefully and prioritize real, minimally processed foods the majority of the time.