What we consume on a day-to-day basis can either make us healthier or destroy us. Having a healthy lifestyle can be hard at times. But know what to eat and what not to eat can make things easier.
We compiled a list of 5 foods that are dangerous to the human body.
5. Granola
Granola and granola bars have been touted as healthy for decades. But are they really? The answer to that question isn’t that easy, but it is known that many granola bars are packed with sugars and unwanted ingredients.
For example, a 2/3-cup (67-gram) serving of Nature Valley Oats and Dark Chocolate Protein Granola contains 7 grams of added sugar and 290 calories, while Quaker Chewy Yogurt Granola Bars pack 10 grams of added sugar per bar.
For optimal health, it’s best to limit your added sugar intake as much as possible, as consuming too much added sugar can contribute to an increased risk of many health conditions in both adults and kids.
Instead of consuming a granola bar packed with sugar, try making your own granola and granola bars at home. You can use nutritious ingredients like nuts and oats and add sweetness with dried fruit.
4. Yogurt
Yes, yogurt can be a healthy snack choice. But picking a yogurt that’s packed with sugar can be damaging to your body.
Flavored and “fruit on the bottom” yogurts can contain a surprising amount of sugar in just a small serving.
For example, a 5.3-ounce (150-gram) container of Dannon Strawberry Fruit on the Bottom yogurt contains a hefty 15 grams of added sugar. Yogurts that have candy toppings and “flip-style” yogurts can have even more (8).
Your best bet when it comes to yogurt is to choose one that has zero sugar and combine it with natural fruits for a healthy and delicious snack.
3. Protein Drinks/Bars
Some foods that are naturally high in protein, like fish, eggs, and beans, are without a doubt healthy choices. However, items like protein bars and protein shakes may not be as healthy as some people assume.
These foods may contain artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, oils, and thickeners – all of which are part of an unhealthy diet.
While consuming protein is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, try sticking to a vegan diet with high-protein vegetables and legumes.
2. Plant-Based Milk
Even though nut milk can be an excellent alternative to dairy products, especially for those who are intolerant to milk products, some nut milks may not be as healthy as you think.
Some plant-based milks contain unhealthy oils and sweeteners for flavor. For example, original Almond Breeze almond milk contains 7 grams of added sugar per 1-cup (240-mL) serving, with cane sugar listed as the second ingredient
We recommend you stick to unsweetened nut milks for the healthiest option.
1. Low Fat And Fat-Free Products
Just because a food is low in fat doesn’t mean it’s a healthier choice.
Food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar in low-fat and fat-free products to make up for the flavor loss.
The fact of the matter is that fats are an essential part of your diet and eating nutritious high-fat foods can help you reap their benefits.
At the end of the day, having a well-balanced diet is the healthiest way of consuming nutrients and staying healthy.