Mate (Argentinian tea).
Thanks to its energizing properties, this drink is typically consumed in the first half of the day, when focus and energy are needed. However, despite being natural, mate is not suitable for evening consumption, especially when heart health is a priority. It contains a natural stimulant similar to caffeine, which activates the nervous system, increases heart rate, and may raise blood pressure. In the evening, these effects place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, which should be slowing down and entering a recovery mode at this time of day. An even greater burden comes from the common habit of pairing mate with sweets, chocolate, or honey-coated nuts—this combination adds fast carbs and fats, further straining the heart and blood vessels before bedtime. Instead of mate in the evening, it’s better to choose light herbal teas—such as mint, lemon balm, or chamomile. These not only promote relaxation but also help stabilize blood pressure and create the right conditions for the body’s nighttime recovery.
Peanut butter (especially with additives).
Peanut butter has long been a favorite among healthy eaters. It’s nutritious, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. At first glance, it seems like a great snack option. However, when it comes to evening meals—especially in the context of heart health—caution is advised. Most store-bought peanut butters contain more than just ground peanuts. They often include added sugar, salt, vegetable oils, and sometimes even hydrogenated fats. These additives significantly increase the calorie content and negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Excess salt can cause fluid retention and raise blood pressure, while sugar leads to sharp spikes in blood glucose, which are particularly undesirable in the evening. Even natural peanut butter without additives is still a rich, fatty product that takes a long time to digest. In the evening, when metabolism slows down, such heavy food puts strain on the liver, pancreas, and heart. A high intake of fats late in the day may also contribute to cholesterol buildup and increase the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. In the second half of the day—especially at night—it’s better to replace peanut butter with something lighter, such as walnuts, which also contain healthy fats but are easier on the body and free of harmful additives.
Blue cheeses (Camembert, Gorgonzola).
Blue cheeses like Camembert and Gorgonzola are well known for their unique taste and texture, making them popular among food lovers. However, despite their culinary appeal, they are not the best choice for dinner—especially if your goal is to support heart health. The main concern with these cheeses is their high content of saturated fats and salt, which can negatively affect the condition of blood vessels. In the evening, it’s better to choose lower-fat, low-sodium alternatives such as light cheeses with reduced fat content. This allows you to provide your body with essential nutrients without putting extra strain on the heart.
Pastrami, basturma, dried meats.
These tasty and popular foods are often part of snacks or main meals. Eating these foods, especially in the evening, can have a negative impact on your heart. They contain a lot of salt, preservatives and saturated fat, which contributes to fluid retention, high blood pressure and the formation of deposits in the arteries, making it difficult to circulate. Another disadvantage of pastrami and basturma is the chemicals used to preserve colour and prolong shelf life. Constant consumption of such additives can have a negative impact on health. Therefore, if you care about your heart health, especially in the evening, it is better to choose foods low in fat and salt, such as baked chicken or fish.
Red wine.
Red wine is often perceived as a “healthy” alcoholic beverage due to the presence of antioxidants like resveratrol. However, it’s important to understand that alcohol—even in small amounts—increases heart rate and may elevate blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart precisely at a time when the body should be winding down and preparing for rest. What’s more, evening wine consumption is frequently paired with rich or fatty foods, which adds further stress to the cardiovascular system. A safer evening alternative would be to choose herbal teas or water with lemon, which help the body relax without disrupting heart function or blood pressure.
If you already have cardiovascular conditions or issues with your blood vessels, it’s important to understand that proper nutrition should only be one part of your overall health strategy. In such cases, you should not forget to take medications (for example, Diovan, Accupril, Accuretic, Adalat) prescribed by your doctor, as well as undergo regular medical examinations. While diet plays a significant role in overall wellness, it cannot effectively manage heart conditions without appropriate medical treatment.