On Friday, March 27, 2026, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) issued a warning about the potential hidden dangers to cardiovascular health posed by some popular foods and drinks with a reputation for being good for the gut. The BHF lists kimchi , sauerkraut , fruit yoghurts, kombucha , and smoothies as products that we may want to be wary of if we are mindful of our heart health.
The warning has come as a surprise to many, given that most of these foods and drinks have been linked to a wide array of health benefits over the years. A recent study even suggested that a probiotic derived from kimchi may help parse certain nanoplastics out of the body.
But what did the BHF actually claim about these foods, and what should we know about their risks and benefits for gut and heart health? Michelle Routhenstein , MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a cardiology dietitian and owner of Entirely Nourished, spoke to Medical News Today to lay down the facts.
Medical News Today published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 27 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on Are gut-friendly foods like kimchi, kombucha affecting your heart health?.
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