You Thought These Popular Foods Are Healthy? Think Again

Have you heard of the term “health halo”? When a food item is said to have a health halo it means it is widely considered to be healthier than it actually is. Some food companies, in an attempt to make their products look more attractive and healthy, use descriptive halos – terms like ‘organic’, ‘fresh’, ‘low-fat’, or ‘homemade’ - and people fall for it.

These foods are touted for being better for our bodies and as a result, shoot up in popularity all over the world. However, if you dig deeper, you will realize that there’s no genuine evidence to back these health claims. Today, we will look at some of the supposedly healthy foods that have a misleading halo on them. From veggie chips to acai bowls, you should be wary of these 'superfoods' if you eat them for their apparent health benefits. 

 

1. Cold-pressed juice

Cold-pressed juices are a new health trend. These beverages are made from a hydraulic press that crushes and presses the fruits and veggies to extract the maximum amount of juice from them without using heat. This is why they have the word “cold” in their name. More importantly, no additional heat or oxygen is used in the process which supposedly means that no nutrients are lost.

According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), however, there’s no current published research to prove that heat and air suck nutrients out from fruits and veggies. Also, it's worth noting that even unpasteurized juices can contain harmful bacteria and can be risky for pregnant women. 

 

So, while you can enjoy a bottle of cold-pressed juice every now and then, don’t expect it to be delivering any special results as there’s no proof of its special health benefits. The safer and better option would be to have a glass of any 100 percent juice and balance it with other healthful foods and beverages.

 

 2. Veggie Chips

Veggie chips are promoted as a healthier alternative to potato chips. The fact they have “veggies” in their name makes them appear to be a healthful snack option. But is that really the case? Not according to health experts. 

 

While many veggie chip brands claim that they use actual vegetables, what they actually use is vegetable powders to give the chips an attractive color. Unfortunately, vegetables lose most of their nutrition properties when they're whittled down to powders. Furthermore, these chips also have a high sodium content to help them get the same flavor as potato chips. 

 

Bottom line? Veggie chips aren't a substitute for fresh veggies and are really no "healthier" than regular potato chips. Munch on some carrot or celery sticks for a truly healthy snack. 

 

3. Plant-based ‘meat’ 

These days, many companies are offering plant-based ‘meat’ alternatives to items like beef, turkey, or chicken. Apparently, the alternative “meat” is made entirely of plants. This has made them immensely popular amongst vegetarians and vegans and for those looking for healthy meat substitutes. Plant-based meats mimic animal meat’s taste and texture and are just as tasty as “the real thing” according to those who have tried it. 

 

However, experts warn that while plant-based meats are a great substitute for vegetarians and vegans, they are not always healthier. These fake meats are often high in sodium and are also considered processed food. Moreover, to increase their meat-like qualities, a lot of additives are added to them which don’t exactly make them nutritious. Many of the plant-based meat alternatives include chemical compounds such as methylcellulose, soy leghemoglobin, and zinc gluconate. Also, the calories and fat content in these plant-based meats aren’t exactly much lesser than regular meat. Therefore, while you can certainly enjoy them for their taste, don’t go for a plant-based meat diet for health-specific reasons.

4. Organic junk food

 

We read the word “organic” with any food item and we immediately tend to believe it must be the healthier choice. However, just because a food is labeled “organic” it doesn’t automatically make it healthy. Yes, organic foods may contain fewer pesticides, but organic junk food is still junk food. It tends to be high in sugar, sodium, and fat, and low in protein and fiber. Organic junk foods may also contain refined sugars and starches that may not be good for your health in the long run. Always remember that whether it’s organic cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup, taking too much sugar won’t ever be right for your overall health.

5. Granola

Granola has attained great popularity in recent years as a super healthy snack option, especially for those who are always on the go. But did you know that just a quarter-cup serving of classic granola contains about 140 calories, along with 4 grams of sugar and 9 grams of fat? That’s pretty similar to a cookie or other baked treat. 

 

So, while granola certainly has that health halo about it, the truth is that many store-bought brands can actually add to your calorie count because of their added sugar and solid fat. Moreover, some granola brands also use processed oils and chocolate chips to enhance the taste but that won’t really serve your health needs. You would be better off going for a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruits in its place.

 

6. Alkaline Water

We’re all aware that drinking plenty of water is essential for our body and can help to ward off illnesses. In recent times, a product dubbed “alkaline water” has been making waves because of its supposed ability to balance the body’s pH, boost energy, and keep illness at bay. Alkaline water is presumably less acidic than tap water and hence better for health and fitness. This water is rich in alkalizing compounds, such as calcium, silica, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. 

 

Most alkaline waters have a pH of 8 or 9 while pure water has a pH level close to 7. The theory is that drinking alkaline water neutralizes extra acidity in the body. However, most of the time our blood maintains a pH of 7. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea or conditions like uncontrolled diabetes may change our pH but our bodies are more than capable of correcting it out with quick action.

Currently, there’s no research to show that alkaline water has any extra advantages over regular water on humans. Moreover, when the alkaline water hits your stomach, the acids in the guts will neutralize it. You can definitely enjoy the crisp and sharp taste of alkaline water but don’t expect it to offer any added benefits. 

 

7. Açai Bowls
Acai bowls have reigned supreme in recent years because of their supposed remarkable health benefits. After all, these gorgeous looking bowls are topped with fruits like cubed mango, granola, popped berry, and shredded coconut. But what most people don’t realize is that these bowls mostly consist of just a puree of other fruits, thickeners, and even dairy alternatives to enhance their creaminess. They also contain powdered berry or some other juice concentrate to give them their rich color. 

 

"In simple terms, an acai bowl is a very thick smoothie with toppings that you eat with a spoon," says New Jersey-based chef Julie Harrington, RD, author of The Healing Soup Cookbook. 

 

The popularity of acai bowls increased when acai berry was categorized as a 'superfood’. This deep purple berry is native to tropical Central and South America and forms the base of this famous bowl. These fruits are packed with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins but there are no studies to say that acai on its own can improve your health, says the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. That doesn’t mean that acai isn’t worth eating. But just don’t expect any magic from it. Most importantly, when used in these “bowls”, the health benefits of acai berries diminish further as the dish is packed with sugar, fat, and other calorie-laden products.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

Don't Ignore the Expiry Dates for These Foods

Think a sniff test or a quick glance can always tell you if food is off and should be thrown away? Think again! Looks and smells can sometimes be deceiving, which is why the expiration dates that are stamped on packaging can guide you and help prevent illness. Below are ten foods that you should never consume once the expiration date has passed.

1. Egg Substitutes
A carton of eggs has a little more leeway than their boxed substitutes, but both need to be consumed in a timely manner. So, if you’re debating whether to finish off that two-week-old carton of whites – don’t! It’s safe to keep eggs in the fridge for three to five weeks if they’re in a shell, but for egg substitutes, you only have about 3-5 days on average once they’re open. If they’re unopened then you have about 10 days.

2. Soft Cheeses

Harder cheeses such as cheddar or Gouda have a longer shelf life because it’s more difficult for mold and bacteria to permeate them. Once opened, these cheeses can last up to 6 months in the fridge. However, softer cheeses such as goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese are more susceptible to mold and bacteria and should be thrown away at the first sign of spoiling or once the expiration date has passed. As a general rule, soft cheeses last about a week in the fridge once opened.

3. Jarred Condiments

It might seem like spreads and sauces last forever, but just because they’re in a glass jar tucked away in the fridge, doesn’t mean they’re protected from bacteria. Once the lid has been opened, the safety seal is broken, and the condiment should be consumed in a timely fashion. Furthermore, when we make sandwiches, for example, we dip our knife into the spread container and wipe it on the bread and then dip it back into the container. By doing this, you’re putting some of that bacteria back into the container. Jarred condiments tend to have more exposure to bacteria and therefore they can lead to foodborne illnesses if not trashed at the appropriate time. If you notice water floating on the top, some discoloration, or weird smells, it’s safer to just throw it out.

4. Cold-Pressed Juice

Green juices might be filling up your social media feeds each day, but they shouldn’t find a permanent home in your fridge. Cold-pressed or raw juices are incredibly popular among the health-conscious since they’re full of nutrients, but it’s important to consume them very soon after buying. Unlike typically processed juices which undergo pasteurization to destroy harmful bacteria and increase shelf life, these raw juices are not pasteurized, making them much more prone to contamination by bacteria.

5. Fresh Meat

When it comes to fresh meat, you’re usually dealing with a “sell by” date, which tells the store the last day it can keep that product out for sale. So, what does this mean for you? Well, you either need to eat it or freeze it when you get home.

6. Ground Meats

Ground meats should be eaten or frozen within two days of purchase. This applies to beef, turkey, pork, lamb, and any other type of ground meat. Since it’s ground, the bacteria that were originally present on the surface might be mixed throughout the meat, increasing your risk of contracting food poisoning or another illness.

7. Fish

Fish are no less prone to bacteria than meat and should be consumed in one or two days after purchase. Otherwise, Whole Foods advises tightly wrapping it in moisture-proof freezer paper or foil and putting it in the freezer.

8. Fresh Berries

Whether you buy them from the store or farmer’s market, berries have a short lifespan. Raspberries and strawberries are only good for about three days after purchase, while blueberries can last a couple of days longer in the fridge. After that, they turn mushy and become susceptible to a bacteria called cyclospora cayetanensis, which can cause bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and other food poisoning symptoms.


I found a simple way to make the strawberry last long without getting spoiled. I washed it in water adding little vinegar, then stored it. Normally the berries which was getting spoiled within 2 days, didn't get spoiled ! Simple trick, which surely help to save your expensive and healthy berries longer.

9. Leafy Greens
Yup, even those packaged ones that are pre-washed. Leafy greens have the potential to carry bacteria such as E. coli because they’re touched by so many hands. For your own safety, wash all types of greens before eating them and never consume them after the date on the packaging.

10. Sprouts

Sprouts are grown in warm climates, which makes them ideal breeding grounds for bacteria right off the bat. Eat them past their ideal date (about two days after purchase) and your risk of getting sick increases. If you’re already sick or pregnant, avoid them altogether.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement