The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has issued a warning over 'potential drawbacks' of popular gut-friendly foods such as kimchi, kombucha and fruit smoothies, citing high levels of added salt and sugar that could harm heart health.
The charity advises consumers to scrutinise product labels, noting that many probiotic-rich fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are prepared with significant amounts of salt, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure if consumed regularly or in large quantities.
Regarding kombucha, the BHF says it can be a better alternative to fizzy drinks, but some commercial brands contain added sugars. Similarly, flavoured or fruit-based yoghurts and blended smoothies can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, and excess sugar intake can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Tracy Parker, BHF nutrition lead, said: 'A lot of these products can contain high levels of salt or sugar though, so it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. By ensuring you check package labels for added salt and sugars, and eat each in moderation, you can make sure the risks do not outweigh the benefits for your heart health.'
The BHF stresses these foods are not harmful in moderation but recommends opting for smaller portions and lower-salt alternatives to mitigate risks.
