Blood vessels don’t hurt, feel heavy, or feel tense. They simply wear out silently. And then, suddenly, your blood pressure rises, your legs swell, your heart races. And you don’t understand: where is this coming from?
And the reason is often found in the food we eat. More precisely, in what we put on it every day.
Blood vessels don’t just age with age. They also age because of diet, which thickens the blood, inflames artery walls, and causes cholesterol to build up. And we often fuel this process without even realizing it.
Check yourself: Were any of the following foods on your table this morning?
1. Sausages and hot dogs
It’s convenient: you slice them and serve them. But in reality, they’re a mixture of salt, trans fats, and preservatives that tax the liver, increase “bad” cholesterol levels, and cause inflammation in the blood vessel walls.
Why are they harmful:
• Increase blood viscosity
• Increase LDL cholesterol
• Reduces the elasticity of blood vessels
Healthy alternative: boiled chicken or turkey, baked fish.
Doctors sound the alarm: 5 foods that thicken blood and raise blood pressure
2. Refined sunflower oil (especially for frying)
Its use is frequent, especially repeated. However, when heated, this oil forms compounds that damage the walls of blood vessels, thicken the blood and trigger inflammatory processes.
Why is it harmful:
• Excess omega-6 fatty acids lead to inflammation
• Toxic compounds are formed during frying
Healthy alternative : olive oil (use cold only), and for cooking — clarified butter (ghee) or coconut oil.
3. White bread and pasta
They seem harmless, especially at breakfast. But simple carbohydrates raise blood sugar, trigger an insulin response, and trigger inflammation. It’s a shortcut to internal vascular damage.
Why are they harmful:
• Blood sugar spikes damage arterial walls
• Increase triglyceride levels
• Reduce the elasticity of blood vessels
Healthy alternative: Whole grain or rye bread — in moderation.
4. Sweetened yogurts and ready-made desserts
They may look appetizing, but they’re loaded with sugar, flavorings, and starch. Even when labeled “natural,” these ingredients can be a real fat trap. Sugar causes inflammation, and the fats in desserts increase cholesterol buildup.
Why are they harmful:
They simultaneously increase blood sugar and cholesterol
They worsen the composition of the blood
They increase inflammatory processes in the vessels
Healthy alternative: homemade unsweetened yogurt, berries, nuts, cottage cheese.
5. Canned soft drinks and juices
Even if they’re labeled “sugar-free,” they contain artificial sweeteners, which can also be harmful. Carbonated drinks contribute to inflammation, increase acidity, and disrupt the body’s fluid balance.
Why are they harmful:
• Cause blood sugar spikes
• Trigger hidden inflammatory reactions
• Increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes
Healthy alternatives: lemon water, homemade unsweetened fruit drinks, mint or rosehip tea.
What else is damaging vessels—without us realizing it:
Excess salt leads to water retention and high blood pressure
Insufficient fluid intake — blood thickens
Overeating in the evening — puts a strain on the heart
Sedentary lifestyle — reduces vascular tone
How to keep your vessels healthy every day:
Start your day with a glass of water: it “wakes up” your blood circulation.
Eat more vegetables and fiber: they help eliminate excess cholesterol
Include nuts and oily fish — sources of healthy fats
Move at least 30 minutes a day
Reduce your sugar and salt intake: your dishes will thank
Conclusion
Blood vessels don’t suffer from age, but from small daily habits. A sausage sandwich, French fries, and a glass of soda seem harmless. But after age 50, these same habits can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, swelling, and even heart attacks.
Take a critical look at your menu. If at least two or three of the foods mentioned are part of your daily routine, it’s time for a change. The dishes can be kept. But the beginning is on the plate.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Avoid self-medication and always consult a qualified healthcare professional before applying any information contained in this text. The editorial team does not guarantee any results and disclaims any liability for any damage resulting from its use.
