A healthy diet is often associated with vegetables, fruits, and legumes, considered the best healthy foods to consume. However, it's not that simple, especially when it comes to ready-made foods. These foods are marketed as low in sugar and high in fiber, but they're not actually that healthy, as published in Huffington Post. This type of food may not contain the expected nutritional ingredients. Nutritionists confirm that some foods may not be as healthy as anticipated and as marketed, which is essential to understand. For example, while certain foods may contain no sugar, they can actually be high in saturated fats, salt, and calories, which is something to be cautious of before consuming them. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients list before consuming these items.
Some foods marketed as healthy are considered processed foods that contain preservatives, additives, and harmful artificial ingredients. It's worth noting that diets high in these foods are linked to countless health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental disorders.
What foods are not actually healthy as marketed?
- **Granola Bars**: Everyone considers them healthy since they contain dried fruit, nuts, and grains. However, they are often high in sugar, hydrogenated oils, refined grains, artificial flavors, and colors. Additionally, they may be calorie-dense while being low in proteins and fibers that provide a longer feeling of fullness. It is important to choose those with lower sugar levels and higher fiber content.
- **Flavored Yogurt**: Known for being high in proteins and low in calories, it also has a high sugar content or artificial sweeteners. Therefore, it is important to limit its consumption.
- **Coconut Oil**: While excellent for hair and skin, it is not the best cooking oil despite the common belief that it is a healthy oil. It contains a high level of saturated fats which may raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Canola, avocado, and olive oils are superior options as they mainly contain unsaturated fats.
- **Juices**: Often contain a high amount of sugar and additives. It is better to consume a whole fruit that contains fiber. For example, a cup of lemon juice has at least 8 grams of sugar.
- **Organic Snack Foods**: This type of food appears to be healthy and reliable within a balanced diet, yet they often contain high levels of sugar, fats, and calories. They also lack sufficient amounts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed by the body.
In general, one should reduce sugar, salt, and fat intake in their diet. However, this doesn't mean one should completely refrain from consuming these foods. They can be good choices in some cases and can be indulged in occasionally. There is no harm in consuming unhealthy foods from time to time.
