- The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has warned that popular gut-friendly foods, including kimchi, kombucha, and fruit smoothies, could pose "potential drawbacks" for heart health.
- The charity urges consumers to scrutinise product labels, highlighting that many of these items contain high levels of added salt and sugar.
- High salt content in fermented foods can contribute to elevated blood pressure, while added sugars in drinks and yoghurts can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- The BHF advises opting for smaller portion sizes and actively seeking out lower-salt and lower-sugar alternatives to mitigate these risks.
- Tracy Parker, BHF nutrition lead, emphasised that while gut-friendly diets are beneficial, checking labels and consuming these products in moderation are crucial for cardiovascular health.
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