According to findings from French study NutriNet-Santé published on May 20, preservatives that are often found in store-bought food products have been linked to a 16% higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, and a 29% higher risk of experiencing elevated blood pressure.
Moreover, preservatives which are considered more "natural" alternatives, such as citric acid and ascorbic acid—more commonly known as vitamin C—contributed to a 22% greater risk of high blood pressure.
The author of the study, Mathilde Touvier, emphasized that while citric and ascorbic acids are naturally found in fruits, they are "not exactly natural" when used as preservatives, this according to CNN. The NutriNet-Santé study is the first to focus on the impact of preservatives on heart health and what it can mean for consumers.
Indeed, taking care of your heart is vital in today’s fast-paced world. You can maintain a strong, healthy heart by embracing a lifestyle that fights disease and cardiovascular disorders.
Click through the following gallery to learn how to take charge of your heart health.