8 common food ingredients linked to heart disease risk, scientists find

Published June 6, 2026

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Prevention sought the expertise of Katherine Balantekin regarding common food preservatives that are linked to heart disease, including sodium nitrite and ascorbic acid. “These preservatives tend to be found in shelf-stable, ultra-processed foods, which tend to be higher in added fats, sugar, and sodium,” Balantekin explained. 

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