'Healthy' Foods That Might Actually Worsen Your Cholesterol

33. Diet Soda and Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: The Guilt-Free Drink with a Cost

Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks might seem like a smart way to cut calories, but they can secretly sabotage your cholesterol goals. Research suggests that regularly consuming artificial sweeteners can alter your gut microbiome and disrupt metabolic function, which may lead to insulin resistance and a rise in triglycerides. While the research is still emerging, the link between frequent diet soda consumption and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome—a major precursor to heart disease—is becoming clearer. Instead of reaching for a chemical-laden beverage, hydrate with infused water, sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus, or unsweetened tea.

34. Store-Bought Salad Dressings: The Healthy Salad's Hidden Enemy

You've made a great choice by eating a salad, but what you put on top could be its undoing. Most store-bought creamy dressings and even many vinaigrettes are made with high-fructose corn syrup, refined vegetable oils (like soybean or corn oil), and unhealthy fats. These ingredients can quickly turn a nutritious, cholesterol-lowering meal into a calorie and fat bomb that raises LDL. The best choice is to make your own dressing at home with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs. It’s easy, affordable, and guarantees that your salad is working for your heart, not against it.