Various foods have recently become trendy due to raves from health groups. Rhiannon Lambert, an experienced nutritionist, gives a list of such foods that may have negative impacts on our health.
1. Dates
Dates are thought to be high in fiber and a healthier alternative to sugar and sweeteners. They, however, contain large quantities of fructose. Eating as few as 3 dates per day will cause you to exceed the recommended daily intake of sugar.
2. Kale
This green leafy vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A and C are powerful antioxidants while vitamin K helps maintain healthy blood clotting. Kale, however, contains raffinose, an indigestible trisaccharide that often causes flatulence and abdominal discomfort. In addition, this vegetable has compounds that increase the likelihood of developing a goiter.
3. Coconut Oil
Recent research shows that cooking using coconut oil may have similar effects as cooking with beef fat. This is due to its high saturated fat content. This type of fat has detrimental effects on one’s cardiovascular system.
4. Rice Milk
People are increasingly opting for rice milk as a substitute for regular milk. Nutritionists do not recommend this because of the high carbohydrate content of rice milk in comparison to dairy. In addition, rice milk provides a very small percentage of the daily recommended intake of calcium.
5. Cucumbers
These vegetables are pleasantly low in calories. They are, on the other hand, also low in potassium and ascorbic acid. It is best to substitute cucumbers for vegetables that are similarly low in calories but more nutritious. An example of this is spinach.
6. Acai berries
Acai has recently gained popularity due to claims of its numerous health benefits. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Moreso, they are only indigenous to South America. There is absolutely no need to go through the hustle of obtaining these berries when you can easily eat some blueberries that are just as healthy.
7. Goji Berries
This is another overrated species of berries. There are claims that Goji berries improve the functioning of the immune system, promote cardiovascular health and potentially help prevent cancer. There is no evidence to support this and one is better off saving money by buying ordinary, more affordable fruits.
8. Almond Milk
This is another popular alternative to cow milk. Almond milk is often sold with additional sweeteners that may compromise its nutritional value. In addition, almond milk is low in nutrients compared to dairy. A better alternative for lactose intolerant individuals would be soy milk, which is much more nutritious.
9. Dried Apricots
Dried fruits have a much higher sugar content than regular fruits. In addition, drying fruits reduces their size remarkably while maintaining the same caloric content. You are therefore likely to eat more dried apricots in one sitting compared to fresh apricots. Sulfur dioxide, which is responsible for the orange coloring, may lead to exacerbations in asthmatics.
10. Protein Balls
Protein balls bought off the shelves are high in sugar content. They tend to be rolled in syrup, greatly increasing their caloric content. It is thus advisable that you make your own protein balls at home without unnecessarily adding sugar.
