Oftentimes, we may read an article, or hear from a friend or loved one that there is a new superfood that will change your life. Sometimes the information is accurate; most times, it should always be fact-checked.
Here is a list of the top ten foods that you thought were healthy, and indeed, are not.
- Granola bars
Despite their healthy reputation, many granola bars are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. That said, they offset the health benefits of oats, nuts, and other whole grains typically found in them. Worse, these snacks contain large amounts of calories which make them an unhealthy choice to munch on every time you need to go on break from work.
- Sports drinks
These drinks are often marketed as healthy for athletes, but they can be high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and provide little nutritional value. These added sugars and artificial sweeteners can be the culprit to weight gain and other health issues while the high sodium content can ironically cause dehydration.
- Low-fat and fat-free products
While these products may be lower in fat, they often contain added sugars and artificial ingredients to enhance their taste, making up for the lost flavor when fat is removed. What’s worse is, sometimes, the essential fatty acids and vitamins that are removed can actually be beneficial for your health.
- Dried fruits
Dried fruits can be high in added sugars and often lack the fiber and water content of fresh fruit. Because of this, it’s like offsetting the actual health benefits of the original fruit when freshly picked from the tree. Dehydrating fruits also remove some of the vitamins and minerals found in fresh fruits. If consumed in excess, the high calories in dried fruits can even cause weight gain.
- Smoothies
While smoothies can be a good source of nutrients, they can also be high in added sugars and other artificial ingredients, especially if made with fruit juices or sweetened dairy products. Like the others in this list, these added sugars often can lead to weight gain.
- Juice
Many juices are high in added sugars and lack the fiber and water content of whole fruits and vegetables. Moreover, juice is high in natural sugars (yes, we keep repeating this!) which can cause weight gain when consumed excessively.
- Flavored yogurt
Flavored yogurt can be high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and often lacks the protein and healthy fats found in plain, full-fat yogurt. Consequently, these yogurts can be high in calories and you already know what that can lead to, right?
- Breakfast cereals
Many breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, are high in added sugars and artificial ingredients, and often lack fiber and healthy fats. It is better to go for oatmeal or eggs instead as an alternative.
- Agave nectar
Despite its reputation as a healthy sweetener, agave nectar is high in fructose and can contribute to insulin resistance and other health problems. Its low glycemic index should make it as an alternative to refined sugars, however, it is high in calories so it should only be taken in moderation.
- Energy bars
Energy bars can be high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, and often lack the fiber, healthy fats, and protein found in whole food snacks. They may be a convenient snack option but just take it easy and don’t get tempted to have some every time you’re craving for something.
In conclusion, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and nutrition content of the foods we eat. Best tip? Focus on whole and nutrient-dense foods as the foundation of a healthy diet. And, like always, everything in moderation should be okay.
