Heart surgeon Philip Ovadia has warned that refined carbohydrates may play a major role in chronic inflammation and plaque buildup inside the arteries, two key contributors to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. According to Dr. Ovadia, foods that are heavily processed and stripped of natural fiber can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, eventually leading to insulin resistance and ongoing inflammation throughout the body. Over time, this process may damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. He explains that surgeons frequently witness the dangerous effects firsthand when unstable plaque suddenly ruptures, cutting off blood flow and triggering life-threatening cardiac events. What makes the issue more concerning, he says, is that many products marketed as “healthy” still contain high amounts of refined carbohydrates that can quietly affect long-term health.

Examples of these foods include breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, bagels, instant oatmeal, rice cakes, fruit juice, granola, crackers, and potato chips. While convenient and widely consumed, these products are often digested quickly, causing repeated insulin surges that may gradually strain the body. Instead of relying on highly processed carbohydrates, Dr. Ovadia recommends focusing on whole, minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and quality protein sources, similar to a Mediterranean-style diet. He also stresses that heart disease is rarely caused by one factor alone. Lifestyle habits including exercise, stress management, sleep quality, genetics, and overall nutrition all work together to influence cardiovascular health. His message encourages people to pay closer attention to food quality and long-term habits rather than relying solely on labels that claim certain products are healthy.