Who doesn’t want to savor tasty meals on a daily basis? After all, for many taste is the king. But what if we tell you that good taste might result in bad health later on? Sounds weird, right? From bread to ice creams, there are many food items that we consume on a daily basis that may prove harmful for us in the long run.
It’s a no-brainer that it’s challenging to avoid some foods, especially when they are made with flavor that is hard to resist. However, if you are in the pursuit of optimal health, it’s better you stay away from some foods.
Here we have listed the top 7 potentially harmful foods that you might be eating on a daily basis. We’re referring to foods that either don’t provide your body with a lot of nourishment or, in the worst scenarios, could even be harmful to your health.
Bleached white flour bread
If bleached flour is listed on the bread’s ingredient list, you’re probably eating some unsavory chemicals. Azodicarbonamide is a plastic dough conditioner that some manufacturers use to make bread dough fluffier. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, you should stay away from it since baking causes azodicarbonamide to break down into a compound called urethane, which is known as a carcinogen and can cause cancer.
Fried Meals
Fried calamari, pork rinds, chicken-fried steak, and chicken-fried chicken. The biggest problem with these fried foods, aside from the extremely high fat and calorie content, is that they have significant quantities of inflammatory Accelerated Glycation End products or AGEs. These substances are produced when foods sourced from animals are cooked for a long time at high temperatures. In a 2015 review article that was published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, researchers came to the conclusion that AGE exposure over time might cause chronic oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can subsequently increase the risk of disease.
Convenience foods without gluten
A third of Americans actively try to stay away from gluten. For those who don’t have a gluten-related disease, a gluten-free diet may not always be healthier. People typically substitute highly processed gluten-free foods for nutrient-dense foods that include gluten. But following a gluten-free diet may result in greater food costs, less fibre consumption, and a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Breakfast cereals that are sweetened and ready to eat
Cereal grains that are processed into breakfast cereals include wheat, oats, rice, and corn. In order to increase their flavor and attractiveness, the majority of cereal goods on the market are highly sweetened and lacking in fibre. Some of them have a candy-like sweetness. In a recent study conducted in five Western nations, including the United States, nearly all breakfast cereals that were ready to eat were found to have “unhealthy” nutritional profiles. Researchers discovered significant sugar content in processed breakfast cereals.
Nectar Of Agave
Agave nectar, a form of sweet syrup made from a plant, is typically used as a sugar alternative. Due to agave’s present production method, it has undergone extensive processing and no longer resembles the original sweetener, which was thought to offer health advantages. In actuality, agave nectar has more fructose than a lot of other sweeteners.
Agave nectar contains 84% fructose, according to an earlier study. High fructose corn syrup contains about 55% fructose, compared to 50% in table sugar. Frequent fructose consumption is associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver, and elevated blood triglyceride levels. These health issues could result in ailments like type 2 diabetes.
Ice creams
Ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles are all wonderful treats that are difficult to resist and make great occasional treats. There are some healthy options available, but the majority are high in calories and contain refined sugar (such as table sugar, fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, and cane juice) or sugars that are natural like honey and maple. Artificial tastes and additives could also be included in some varieties. Excessive sugar consumption has been related to several health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, dental caries, increased body weight, and even death.
Meat in its processed form
Meats that have undergone processing to enhance flavor, maintain quality, or lengthen shelf life are referred to as processed foods.
A few examples of processed meat include ham, sausages, and tinned meat. Processed meats are strongly linked to cancer, particularly colon cancer, according to numerous research. In reality, processed meat is a Group I carcinogen according to the World Health Organization. In other words, processed meats are proven to cause cancer by strong evidence.
Keep in mind that your body is your temple! Avoid consuming the foods mentioned above in excessive amounts, and instead, consider healthier options. Dark leafy greens, seafood, avocado, whole grains, berries, and extra virgin olive oil are a few examples of nutritious foods. Red and processed meat, dried or canned fruit, sweetened cereals, flavored yogurt, and processed cheese alternatives are all foods you can have in moderation, to avoid putting your health at risk. Whatever you choose to eat, keep in mind that the objective is to consume enough nutrients to satisfy your nutritional demands.