Some “healthy” foods can contain large amounts of hidden unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium that can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Amal Sharea cardiologist at Morristown Medical Center, part of the Atlantic Health System, told HuffPost.
“When it comes to foods marketed as ‘healthy’, it is essential to be aware of these potential causes and make informed choices,” he said. Here are some foods that nutrition experts recommend limiting or avoiding.
granola bar
Scheer said granola bars can be considered a healthy snack because of their association with whole grains, nuts and dried fruit. However, many of them contain large amounts of sugar, refined grains, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors and colors. And while they’re low in protein and fiber, they can also be high in calories, so you’ll feel fuller longer.
Huntlis recommended comparing granola and cereal bar products and choosing the one with the lowest sugar content, highest fiber content, and full ingredient list.
flavored yogurt
Yogurt is often advertised, but High protein, low calorie option. However, there are many different options available in the yogurt aisle. Barabashi said many flavored yogurts contain sugar, artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors. He suggested choosing unflavored yogurt whenever possible, or at least one with fewer sugars.of american heart association recommends no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) of added sugar for men and no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for women. but, the study You’ll find that organic yogurt contains an average of 13 grams of sugar per cup.
deli meat
Lean turkey or other deli meats are sometimes recommended. Healthy snacks before and after training. But not all deli meats are created equal. They are high in sodium and low in protein, and some contain nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic.of who It lists processed meat as a carcinogen.
“We strongly recommend limiting or eliminating this type of meat from your diet,” says Shea. Choose freshly cooked, unprocessed meats or low-sodium ham, or fill your sandwiches with tofu, avocado, and nut butter.
Anything that contains powdered vegetables
Powdered vegetables for smoothies etc. AG1 or your super green mixwhich may contain some nutrients, are generally lacking in fiber, Huntlis said. Most people don’t get enough fiberfound in all produce and essential for gut and heart health.
The same goes for vegetable straws and other powdered vegetable snacks, Nelson said. These snacks may also contain salt and sugar. It is best to eat fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables.
coconut oil
Coconut oil may be good for your hair and skin, says Shea. But nevertheless, it is not the best cooking oil. Common theory That’s healthy.coconut oil is high in saturated fatIt can raise your cholesterol and cause plaque to build up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. Olive oil, canola oil, and avocado oil are healthier options, because they are primarily made from unsaturated fats. If you want to use coconut oil for cooking, Please use in moderation.
juice
Drink a lot of commercially available fruit juice sugar is added It’s always best to eat whole fruits, which contain dietary fiber, as they contain additives such as.a 1 cup of orange juice May contain approximately 8 grams of sugar, apple juice It can contain nearly 10 grams. It is recommended that men consume no more than 9 grams of sugar per day, and women no more than 6 grams. If you still want to drink fruit juice, compare products and choose the one with the fewest ingredients and the lowest sugar content. Also, be on the lookout for juice cleanses and detoxes, says Huntliss. “We have organs in our bodies that do this, including the liver.”
plant-based meat substitutes
Reducing your meat intake can have health benefits, says Scheer, who is vegan. But many plant-based meat alternatives contain excess sugar, salt and fat, and some may fall into the ultra-processed category, Nelson says.
as previously reported According to HuffPost, Beyond and Impossible burgers contain coconut oil and have saturated fat levels similar to beef. Beyond is 6g, Impossible is 8g, and Beef is 7.6g.
Instead, Scheer suggested choosing avocado, beans, tempeh, and tofu, which are minimally processed and nutritious plant-based proteins.
organic snack food
Cookies, chips and other snacks labeled “organic” can give the impression that they’re healthier than they actually are, Sher says. However, these products often contain just as much sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories as non-organic products. You may also be lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
An example is shown below. Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunny Each 30-gram serving of 51 crackers contains 140 calories, 260 milligrams of sodium, 6 grams of fat, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. on the other hand, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Original Each 55 crackers (30 grams) contains 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 20 grams of carbohydrates.
