Some articles have been written over the decades that label certain foods as good or bad. However, these are the ten foods you thought were bad for you that actually aren’t.
No food is truly good or bad; it’s all about balance and consuming within moderation. Too much of anything is, of course, going to be bad for you.
However, in this article, we discuss the ten foods you thought were bad for you that actually aren’t, items that have a bad representation in the diet industry.
10. Potatoes – the best carb in the world
Throughout the last couple of decades, we’ve been told that potatoes are unhealthy starch and make you gain weight if you consume them. But that’s so wrong! Potatoes are actually an amazing source of nutrition.
They are an excellent source of vitamin C. Apparently, a medium-sized spud (skin-on) provides almost half of your recommended daily intake. Potatoes are also rich in other nutrients, including vitamin B, folate, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
9. Chocolate – the most addictive and tasty sweet!
Chocolate has always been labelled as unhealthy and something that you should avoid. Society makes us feel like we should feel guilty for enjoying chocolate.
However, cocoa beans actually contains heart-healthy flavonoids that may help to prevent memory loss in older age. There’s also been research into the benefits of dark chocolate for sportspeople. So if you enjoy dark chocolate, it’s not as bad as you think.
8. Egg yolks – an eggcellent addition to the plate
Egg yolks are labelled high in fat content and cholesterol. While one yolk contains about 70 mg of cholesterol, yolks also contain some health benefits for the heart. Furthermore, a nutrient found within the yolk, lutein, has been proven to prevent macular degeneration.
Although someone with very high cholesterol may not want to consume egg yolks due to their high cholesterol levels, you have to keep your heart healthy.
7. Popcorn – a popping healthy snack
The perfect accompaniment to the movies! It can seem too sweet and unhealthy, but popcorn doesn’t have to be that. Popcorn can be offered in a range of flavours, whether processed or home cooked.
Popcorn that’s non-GMO or home-popped from scratch is a healthy eating option and a filling snack. Plus, it can be relatively low in calories too!
6. Coconut oil – go coco-nuts over this
One of the foods you thought were bad for you that actually aren’t is coconut oil. Coconut oil comes from the pressing of the pale flesh within the coconut. This forms an edible oil that can be solid at room temperature or a liquid when heated.
Previously we were told that this coconut oil was bad because of its high saturated fat. Now everyone loves the oil.
Coconut oil has many nutrients that can help contribute to a balanced diet and improve your health. It’s got fatty acids which enable the body to improve metabolism, hair, and skin, as well as help with cognitive functions.
5. Salt – nothing salty about this
Ever been told salt was a horrible mineral to eat and that you should cut down? Well, for years, this has been one of the foods you thought were bad for you that actually aren’t. While high doses can increase the blood pressure, sodium is necessary in our diets.
Sodium prevents dehydration in the body, so if you don’t have enough, you’ll become dehydrated, and the body won’t function properly. Therefore, salt is a good food to be used in small doses in your diet to keep cells working as normal.
4. Coffee – you’ll love this one a latte
Researchers have found that coffee doesn’t increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some even denote that coffee can be linked to lowering rates of type-2 diabetes and improving memory and energy levels.
3. Margarine – nothing butter than it!
Surprisingly margarine is so much better for you than butter. This is due to the unsaturated fats in margarine. On the other hand, butter has a lot of saturated fats, which are deemed worse for your health.
Therefore, it seems that margarine made from vegetable oils helps reduce the risk of heart disease and has no cholesterol, making this a healthy alternative to the butter counterpart.
2. Nuts – go nuts for this one!
There’s no escaping the fact that nuts are very high in fat. In most nuts, however, this fat is mainly unsaturated. Walnuts and pine nuts have polyunsaturated fats, while pistachios, pecans, and almonds have monounsaturated fats.
Being a high-fat food item means they are high in energy, so they will give you a boost throughout the day. Nuts are also a nutrient-rich food providing fibre, protein, and vitamins too. They are a healthy snack in moderation.
They are also great on the go, so they are perfect for staying healthy while travelling.
1. Dairy – you cheddar be ready for this one!
Finally, the last one of the foods you thought were bad for you that actually aren’t is dairy. Cheese, milk, and yoghurt are all dairy products that have a yo-yo reputation in the health world. First, they are the best thing for you; then they are so bad you have to cut them out.
However, dairy products are a good source of calcium and can provide several health benefits if consumed in moderation, of course. Dairy can contain magnesium, vitamin D, and proteins, all important nutrients for a functioning body.
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