Kareena Kapoor's nutritionist discusses heart health. Recommends everyday kitchen staples that matter, and how city life impacts cardiac function

When it comes to heart health, what we eat every day matters more than we think. Although some individuals might think that making drastic changes to their diet is the key to maintaining a good and well-functioning heart, it is actually more about making small, regular and everyday choices. For example, foods rich in trans fat, saturated fats and excess refined sugar can clog your arteries, raising cholesterol levels. But sometimes, we tend to avoid certain food items due to pre-conceived notions, which might actually cause no harm.

Kareena Kapoor’s nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar, has now shared her expert opinion on the matter. In her latest Instagram entry, the lifestyle guru busted some of the common fears that often plague those dealing with cardiac issues.

Rethinking the low-fat myth in Indian diets

Many Indian households are heavily influenced by “low-fat” marketing, often sidelining traditional foods, assuming that they boost cholesterol levels. Some of the items that belong in the category are cashews, peanuts, and coconut. Rujuta Diwekar, however, challenges this long-held misconception. She clarified that, unlike popular belief, neither cashews, nor peanuts, nor coconut has dietary cholesterol and therefore must not be feared.


Whether it’s a small serving of peanuts, coconut chutney paired during lunch, or an occasional festive modak, Rujuta Diwekar assured that these foods can be a part of everyday meals. Additionally, she emphasised that such traditional fats do not cause blocked arteries. So, instead of eliminating them, she advocates mindful inclusion within a balanced, home-style dietary regimen.

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Role of the environment in heart health

Elaborating on the topic, Rujuta Diwekar stressed the fact that the environment we live in impacts our heart health more than we think. Explaining her point, the nutritionist revealed that the polluted city air not only damages the lungs but is also unkind to the heart because when the AQI is poor, the cardiovascular system works harder. Rujuta also pointed out that spending long hours spent in traffic reduces the likelihood of physical activity, while ill-maintained footpaths discourage walking, limiting everyday movement. All these ultimately contribute to a bad heart

In conclusion, Rujuta Diwekar urged everyone to shift their priorities, encouraging a different approach to lifestyle and civic factors, including demanding cleaner air, advocating for cities designed to support walking and regular physical activity.