If you’re looking to eat healthier but find it hard to do so, you may have come across foods that are bad for your health. Luckily, there are many different choices out there. Here are some of the most common options for you to consider.
Processed meat
It may surprise you to learn that processed meats are not all good for you. This is because processed meats are filled with harmful chemicals and carcinogens. Rather than taking in these unhealthy elements, try consuming healthy alternatives.
The best way to avoid processed meat is to switch to a plant-based diet. Plant-based foods are high in vitamins and minerals. A plant-based diet is also kinder to the environment because they reduce carbon emissions.
Processed meat is also high in saturated fat. Saturated fat has been associated with heart disease. In addition, it is thought to be the cause of genetic mutations that lead to cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified chemically processed meats as group 1 carcinogens. Chemically processed meats are usually high in sodium nitrates. Nitrates are used in meats to preserve their color. But nitrite can also damage cells in the bowel.
Another thing to keep in mind is that processed meats are often cured with salt. Studies have shown that eating processed meat increases the risk of cardiovascular and colorectal diseases.
One study found that those who ate at least 150 grams of processed meat per week had a higher risk of heart disease. They were also at a higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
However, these studies were observational and cannot prove that the consumption of processed meat caused the disease. Rather, it is a correlation between the two.
Other studies have linked red meat to a higher risk of certain diseases. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting the amount of red meat that you consume.
Flavored yogurt
The sugar content of flavored yogurt can be overwhelming. Some brands contain more than 20 grams of added sugar per serving. This can put you at risk for health conditions such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, people should limit their daily added sugar intake to no more than 10 percent. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which are good for your gut health. However, the high sugar content of flavored yogurt can lead to weight gain, which can increase your risk for health problems.
Flavored yogurt can be healthy when eaten in moderation. But most store-bought flavored yogurt is full of added sugar and preservatives. If you can’t resist the taste, look for flavors that have less than 12 or 13 grams of sugar per container.
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is an excellent food. It’s rich in protein and nutrients, which makes it an ideal snack or meal. Plus, it’s easy to digest and helps you feel full for a long time.
You can also try a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. These are healthier alternatives to artificial sweeteners.
For people with diabetes, limiting the amount of added sugars is especially important. Adding fruit to your yogurt can help reduce the sugar in your diet.
Although all yogurts contain naturally occurring sugars, the added sugars in flavored yogurts can be harmful. Instead, look for unsweetened plain yogurt or flavored yogurt made with real fruit.
Many flavored yogurts contain preservatives and thickeners to improve the product’s texture and shelf life. In addition, they can hide unhealthy ingredients, such as artificial dyes and preservatives.
Fried chicken
Fried chicken has a lot of calories and fat. It also has cholesterol. Fortunately, there are ways to make fried chicken less unhealthy.
Fried chicken contains saturated fat, which is linked to heart problems. The fat is typically solid at room temperature, but it becomes liquid when fried. Saturated fat has been shown to raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of chronic health problems.
It is also high in sodium, which is a major contributor to hypertension and high blood pressure. Sodium can also lead to strokes and other diseases.
Chicken is a good source of protein, which promotes healthy muscle growth and metabolism. But you’ll want to be careful about how much you eat.
A 100-gram serving of fried chicken has about 83 milligrams of cholesterol.
Most fried foods are laden with saturated fat. These fats come from tropical oils and animal products. Those who eat fried foods regularly have higher risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and other heart ailments.
Besides having a lot of calories and fat, fried chicken is also low in fiber and nutrients. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lists no carbohydrates in its food data.
The problem with fried chicken is that it’s very high in sodium and calories. Depending on what you order, you could have as many as 3,090 calories and as much as a quarter of your daily sodium needs in one meal.
Canned soups
Canned soups are convenient and tasty, but they can be very unhealthy. They can contain high amounts of sodium, fat, and calories. It’s a good idea to choose low-sodium varieties.
Another additive is guar gum, which can cause obstructions in the esophagus.
Sodium has a strong impact on your blood pressure. Excessive intake can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major cause of heart disease.
Another concern is the presence of bisphenol A, which is a chemical used in the production of cans. BPA is known to disrupt the endocrine system.
When choosing a canned soup, be sure to read the label carefully. Look for products with labels indicating that the can is aluminum. Also, check for brands with BPA-free packaging.
If you have diabetes, you may want to choose a low-sodium canned soup. Having a low-sodium diet can prevent the buildup of kidney water, which can raise your blood pressure. Additionally, sodium overload can cause bloating and cause weight gain.
You can also choose an organic soup. Organic soups are free of GMOs and pesticides. There are many options to consider, including vegetarian soups.
Choosing a healthy soup can be challenging, but it’s worth it. You can choose a soup that contains vegetables, lean meats, and hearty spices, or you can omit the fat.
Baked beans
Baked beans are a great, quick, and easy dinner option.
It is best to enjoy baked beans as part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Nevertheless, you should choose baked beans with lower sodium and fat levels.
A typical serve of baked beans contains 164 calories. They are high in protein, fiber, and potassium. But they are also high in sodium and sugar. If you’re concerned about salt, check the label.
The World Health Organisation recommends people limit their sugar intake to 25g per day. Half a can of standard baked beans has about nine grams of sugar. Similarly, half a can of flavored beans can contain up to 15 grams.
While the lycopene content in tomato sauce is high, the beans themselves are relatively low in antioxidants.
Beans are a good source of soluble fiber, which attracts water and slows down digestion. Fiber also helps to maintain healthy gut flora.
A study in men with borderline-high cholesterol found that a half-cup serving of baked beans reduced total cholesterol by 5.6%. Another study showed that men who consumed five cups of baked beans every week for a month saw a reduction in total cholesterol.
