10 Foods So Unhealthy You Should Never Eat Them & 10 You Should Eat Every Day
10 Foods So Unhealthy You Should Never Eat Them & 10 You Should Eat Every Day
Are You Treating Your Body Like A Temple Or A Trash Can?
Food is your body's fuel. While feeding it with high-quality foods will give it strength, energy, and protection, giving it foods that contain unhealthy chemicals, fats, or added sugar will leave you feeling sluggish and may even harm your health. Here are 10 foods you should avoid eating at all costs and 10 nutrient-packed ones you should eat every day.
1. Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners offer a convenient option when you're short on time, but most of them are packed with sodium, hidden sugars, and preservatives. Even those marketed as "healthy" options still use low-quality ingredients like cheap oils and are often lower in nutrients than a fresh meal.
2. Packaged Pastries
Packaged pastries are one of the most unhealthy things you can put in your body. In addition to the sugar and unhealthy fat content, they contain ultra-processed preservatives and additives that are harmful to your health.
3. Deep-Fried Foods
Fried foods are one of the worst offenders for your long-term health. The cooking process not only involves soaking food in oil, adding tons of calories, but also heating oil to a high temperature, which produces harmful compounds.
4. Instant Noodles
Instant noodles may have helped you survive university, but they should be retired from your pantry by now. They're packed with sodium, preservatives, and refined carbs that lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
5. Sugary Breakfast Cereals
In addition to containing a lot of added sugar, most breakfast cereals are classified as ultra-processed foods because of the additives, syrups, colors, and preservatives they contain. The grains they contain are also highly processed, which diminishes their nutrient content.
6. Processed Meats
Processed meats like hot dogs and deli slices are not only astronomically high in sodium and saturated fat, but they've even been classified as a carcinogen. The cancer link comes from the nitrates and nitrites, which are added as preservatives.
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7. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese may look and taste like cheese, but there's only a small amount of real cheese in it, blended with emulsifiers, food dye, and preservatives. It's ultra-processed, high in sodium, and unhealthy fat, which contribute to cholesterol.
8. Artificial Sweeteners
Although artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a "healthier," low-calorie alternative to sugar, they interfere with the gut microbiome, posing health risks. They've also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and are possibly addictive.
9. Energy Drinks
Not only are energy drinks extremely high in added sugar, but they also contain high amounts of caffeine and other stimulants that can overstress your cardiovascular system. They've been linked to increased blood pressure and heart palpitations.
10. Factory-Made Bread
There's a big difference between bread made at home or at a small bakery and mass-produced bread. In addition to using highly processed white flour, it often contains hidden sugars and chemical additives like dough conditioners, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Now that we've covered the foods you can pretty much cross off your grocery list forever, let's talk about the ones you should eat every day.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and spinach really are as good for you as everyone says. They're super rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that detoxify the body, support your heart, bones, immunity, and overall body functioning.
2. Berries
Berries may be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to nutrients. They're incredibly high in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and low in calories.
3. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are rich in healthy fats, which support the heart. They're also high in plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Even though they're calorie-dense, they've been linked to better weight management.
4. Oats
Oats are the perfect breakfast alternative to packaged cereals. They're high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help stabilize your blood sugar and aid in weight management and digestion.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains roughly double the protein of regular yogurt, supporting muscle growth and repair. It also contains probiotics, which support your gut, is rich in calcium, and B-vitamins.
6. Eggs
Eggs are a high-quality, low-calorie protein source. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support the eyes, and healthy fats that protect the heart and brain.
7. Fish
Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon or sardines, contain omega-3 fatty acids that support the heart and brain. It's a high-quality protein loaded with vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, are anti-inflammatory, and give you energy.
8. Legumes
Legumes like beans and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein. They contain fiber and antioxidants that support the heart, digestion, and aid in weight management.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. It's rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants that support cognitive function and may even protect against certain types of cancer.
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10. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet known for its incredible health benefits. It's high in heart-supporting healthy fats and anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
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