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Is there anything sadder than forcing down a food you don't like because you think it's good for you — and then finding out it's unhealthy after all? That's right up there with learning that one you enjoy is bad for your health.
And the lists of good and bad foods keep changing, doesn't it. Healthy foods appear on the scene, like homemade granola did in the 70s. Unfortunately, it eventually experienced a sleight of hand, being replaced seemingly without our realizing it, by the convenience of granola you could buy ready-made.
But once a healthy food is nudged out by a processed food, we are left with only a superficial resemblance. Healthy no more.
Here are a few other healthy-looking unhealthy foods that may surprise you:
1) Dried fruit
Fruit is supposed to be good for you, right? Well, it depends. Dried fruit has a much higher sugar content than fruit in its natural state.
The method of drying is important too. When sulfur dioxide is added to inhibit discoloration of the fruit, some people may have a sensitivity to it. Blog.foodnetwork.com said that thiamin, a B vitamin, is destroyed by sulfur dioxide.
2) Energy bars
The question you must ask is, where is this extra energy coming from? Chances are it's coming from the sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, and trans fats. The corn syrup is likely genetically modified which is increasingly being scrutinized.
3) Frozen or fruit-flavored yogurt
Plain yogurt is still a healthy food for those who don't have a dairy intolerance. But other forms of yogurt are adulterated by sugar and unhealthy fats.
4) Granola and granola bars
Let's look at the previously mentioned snack food, granola. Is the package you bought made with trans fats? Is it full of sugar or corn syrup? What artificial ingredients are in it?
When you think it's a healthy snack you may also find yourself eating bigger portions, so be prepared, you can get fat on this so-called "healthy" food just like on other more honest junk foods.
5) Margarine
Trans fats are bad for you. Period. If your margarine contains trans fats, don't eat it. According to Healthline.com, Johns Hopkins Medicine advises all cancer patients and survivors to avoid trans fats.
6) Microwave popcorn
When you buy popcorn in a microwavable bag, you're introducing some unhealthy chemicals, like perfluoroalkyls, into your food. Healthline.com reported that perfluoroalkyls may be linked with semen problems and kidney disease.
7) Ramen noodles
Healthline.com said that a package of ramen noodles can contain 500 mg more than the daily intake recommended by the American Heart Association. The noodles contain next to no nutrients. They may however contribute to high blood pressure.
8) Smoothies
A healthy smoothie is a great way to start a day, but not every smoothie is necessarily good for you. It all comes down to the ingredients. Look at the sugar and fat content, especially if you are buying it at a store or restaurant.
Sources:
10 Processed Foods to Avoid. Healthline.com. Retrieved Sept. 28, 2015.
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/processed-foods-to-avoid#1
Unhealthy Foods To Avoid: 6 'Healthy' Snacks That May Actually Be Ruining Your Health. Medicaldaily.com. Retrieved Sept. 28, 2015.
http://www.medicaldaily.com/unhealthy-foods-avoid-6-healthy-snacks-may-a...
Dried Fruit: Good or Bad? Foodnetwork.com. Retrieved Sept. 28, 2015.
http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/12/26/dried-fruit-good-or-bad
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger
Reviewed September 29, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
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