When you think about healthy foods, what comes to mind? Acai fruit? Yogurt? Oatmeal? Our perception of what food is healthful is influenced by a wide range of factors: scientific studies, stories in the media, what our mother told us, and what food manufacturers want us to believe.
While some “healthy” foods have real nutritional value (raw fruit and vegetables), others do not. Some of the foods we consider “healthy” often have benefits in their natural form. However, as the food undergoes processing, its nutrients are stripped and replaced with flavorings, sugar, salt, and fat.
Here are eight foods with a health veneer that aren’t all that healthy. You’re better off limiting your intake.
What are the most misleading ‘healthy’ foods?
1. Yogurt
According to health experts, an average yogurt cup already has about 30 grams of sugar, including natural and artificial sweeteners. This applies particularly to yogurts with artificial flavoring. That is about 7.5 teaspoons of sugar in one small package, roughly equal to one chocolate bar! If you love yogurt but want to keep things healthier, try plain yogurt with a dash of fruit on the side. That way, you will still get the sweet taste while reaping the benefits of a healthy snack!
2. Protein bars, shakes, and drinks
While these food supplements and health beverages can boost you whenever you need them, they cannot and should not replace real food in the long run. Protein bars and shakes, in particular, are known to have too much sugar and saturated fats, which can ultimately harm your body. Occasionally, having protein bars or shakes can be okay, but do not overdo it. Balance it with a healthy diet of meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables to keep things in check.
3. Granola bars
Granola bars can be healthy because they are typically made of nuts, raisins, seeds, coconut, honey, and chocolate. However, most modern food companies include additional extenders to prolong the freshness of these products. Because of these ingredients and artificial sweeteners, the sugar content of an average granola is significantly increased. This can, in turn, affect the health of anyone who eats the product.
4. Plant-based products
While there are many advantages to a plant-based diet, experts also note that if you stick to one, you will still lack many nutrients. For starters, you will not have enough protein in your body. Yes, there are substitutes; however, you won’t get nearly enough compared to getting it from meat. Also, many food manufacturers add artificial ingredients to extend the life of these products. This process, in turn, will taint the natural composition of the food and harm anyone who eats it in the long run.
5. Gluten-free food
Eating gluten-free food can indeed be good for you, especially if you have Celiac Disease. However, studies have shown that gluten-free food usually lacks a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that can be good for the body. These nutrients include iron and proteins. Not having any of these nutrients in your body can lead to even more complications, such as anemia and lethargy. So, If you don’t have Celiac Disease, try to stay away from a gluten-free diet.
6. Diet drinks
Although diet sodas and related products are said to have no sugar, these are still linked to the development of type 2 diabetes as well as heart failure. Perhaps this is because of the artificial food additives mixed with diet drinks to replace sugar. To prevent illnesses, stick to naturally occurring sugars and do not rely too much artificial sweeteners for your diet if you want to extend your life.
7. Sweetened oatmeal
Oatmeal in itself can be pretty healthy to eat because of its all-natural, wholegrain ingredients. However, if you eat it with three teaspoons of sugar, you may still face various health issues. Instead of eating oatmeal with pure sugar, why don’t you try it with juices or fresh fruits such as apples or bananas? This alternative will lessen your unhealthy sweets and keep your diet working for many years.
8. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is much higher in sugar and calories than fresh fruit. This can be problematic if you have diabetes or weight issues. Dried fruit also sticks to teeth, potentially damaging them and creating dental problems. Some packaged dried fruits also have added sugar and preservatives. Don’t forget, dried fruit is used in trail mix — another popular snack touted as healthy even though it’s often loaded with fat, added sugar, and salt.
Choosing the right kind of food
Knowing the nutrients your body might need can give you an idea of what food you should eat. Next time you shop, avoid the hype. Start by reading the nutrition labels of the foods you are buying, keeping the following in mind:
- You shouldn’t exceed 25 grams of added sugar for women and 37.5 grams for men grams per day.
- Your sodium intake should be 1,500 mg daily.
- Saturated fat should be about 10 percent of calories, 22 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet.
Also, remember when buying “healthy” foods: Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts are almost always healthier in their natural state. When food manufacturers start tinkering with them, they become less healthy.
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