BHF heart health warning over five 'healthy' foods and drinks

BHF heart health warning over five 'healthy' foods and drinksWhile these foods may be good for the gut, they could raise your risk of cardiovascular diseaseCommentsNewsFiona Callingham Lifestyle writer03:13, 06 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesExperts at the BHF warned that certain foods could affect your cardiovascular health(Image: Getty)Health experts have issued a warning over five popular foods and drinks you may not realise could cause you heart problems. While these foods provide certain health benefits, they could also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.‌In an update on the British Heart Foundation (BHF) website, the charity urged people to “look more closely” at what they’re eating. More specifically, it focused on certain gut-friendly foods and drinks. Although these items may support the gut microbiome, they can also be high in sugar or salt, which can be problematic.‌These foods include:‌Kimchi: Contains probiotics but can be high in saltKombucha: High in probiotics and can be a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks, but shop-bought versions can contain added sugarFruit yoghurts: Can contain probiotic live bacteria cultures but may also be high in sugarSmoothies: Contain high-fibre fruits but blending them breaks down the fibre and can cause a faster rise in blood sugar than whole fruitSauerkraut: Rich in healthy probiotics but may be high in salt. Shop-bought versions may be pasteurised, which will remove most live bacteriaThe charity said: “Many people now choose foods marketed as prebiotic, probiotic or good for the gut in other ways. Our advice highlights that there’s no harm including these foods as part of a healthy diet - they can be a positive thing to do for your health - but many of these foods come with a catch that can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease.”Tracy Parker, nutrition lead at BHF, said: “We encourage everyone to choose foods that can keep their gut microbiome healthy. The benefits are clear, and we are continuing to i...