In today’s health-conscious society, many people are striving to improve their diets and lifestyle habits. As a result, the market for foods marketed as “healthy” or “nutritious” is growing. However, not all foods labeled as such are as beneficial as they seem. Some so-called healthy foods can be loaded with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and other ingredients that may counteract their potential benefits. Before making these foods a regular part of your diet, it’s crucial to understand what you’re consuming to make informed choices.
Award-winning nutritionist Lovneet Batra warns that these five health foods may come with hidden side effects if not carefully selected. Here are the most common mistakes made by health enthusiasts and ways to avoid them.
5 ‘Healthy’ Foods With Hidden Side Effects
- Dark Chocolate: Check the ingredient label for stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, the type of cocoa used, and the nutrition label for total sugar content. Just because it’s labeled “dark chocolate” does not mean it is necessarily healthy.
- Protein Grilled at High Temperatures: Overcooking protein at very high temperatures can produce potentially harmful compounds. To avoid this, cook protein at a lower temperature slowly. Precook meat before grilling, use a marinade, remove charred parts, use smaller pieces, and ensure the grill is well-cleaned.
- Low-Fat Yogurt: Check the label for added sugars, emulsifiers, and sugar substitutes. Low-fat does not always mean healthy if it is loaded with other unhealthy additives.
- Salads in Creamy Dressing: Choose your dressing wisely to get the full benefit of eating a salad. Opt for hummus, hung curd, lemon, or vinegar instead of ranch, Caesar, or French dressing.
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners/Drinks: These often increase sugar cravings and negatively affect gut health. It’s better to use honey or jaggery powder in moderation.
Remember, the key to a healthy diet is not just about what you eat, but also about the quality and balance of your food choices.
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