You can estimate our nation’s health and fitness craze by just looking at the health foods in supermarkets and storefronts. “Fit foods”, “healthy foods”, “Sugar less”, and “No added preservatives” are written all over the food products to get people’s attention. However, if you closely read their labels, you will be able to know whether they are truly nutritious. The foods listed below are considered healthy but are not qualified to be genuinely nutritious.
1.Whole-grain or multi-grain bread
Many people choose whole-grain or multi-grain bread because they think they are healthy. However, the reality is that they are made up of enriched wheat flour, which lacks certain nutrients, fibre and proteins. Though enrichment is done at a later stage, it can not restore all the vitamins and minerals. So, avoid breads that use the word “enriched” in their ingredient list and choose breads that list whole grain/whole wheat as the first ingredient. To get more nutrition, consider preparing fresh roti from whole grains of flour such as wheat, ragi, jawar and bajra.
2.Fat-free cheese
Cheese lovers think fat-free cheese will let them enjoy their favourite food without worrying about excess fat. But fat-free cheese is heavily processed to remove fat from it. Manufacturers add extra sodium and sugar to compensate for the loss of flavour, which leads to high blood pressure, heart failure and many more. A healthy and delicious alternative to cheese is homemade “Panner”, which contains no sugar and salt.
3.Fruit juice
Except for pomegranate and a few others, most fruits lose their nutritional value when they are turned into juice. Packaged fruit drinks make things worse by adding preservatives- to keep them fresh for a long time. They also contain extra sugar, which a real fruit does not have and which can contribute to health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Due to this, Due to this, Lavleen Kaur- A famous dietitian in India, recommends chewing the fruits as it helps absorb all the nutrients present in them.
4.Diet soda
We all know soda is terrible for our health since it increases weight, causes cavities and raises the risk of various health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. But sadly, diet soda is not much better than soda. Artificial sweeteners are added to diet soda to give them the taste of actual sugar, which can spike one’s insulin and negatively impact health. In India, several refreshing drinks such as Nimbu Pani or lemon juice, Lassi, Thandayi, and coconut water can satisfy your soda cravings.
5.Gluten-free food products
Gluten-free food products are not as healthy as they are believed to be. As compared to regular foods, they are less fortified with nutrients like folic acid and iron. Additionally, they substitute gluten with inferior items like potato and rice, which are higher in fat and lower in protein, causing people to gain weight and become obese. Even while occasionally eating gluten-free pasta and noodles is okay, developing an addiction to these foods is hazardous for your digestive system.
6.Energy bars
Energy bars, particularly those coated with chocolate, are no different from candies as they contain the same amount of sugar, calories, and fats. Even energy bars without sugar contain a wide range of preservatives that are not good for health. Fruits and energy strips are more effective and much better for your health. Why sell people some sugary junk when you can earn by selling natural products. A private label energy strip supplier plays a pivotal role in the ever-growing energy supplement market. These suppliers offer businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to create their own brand of energy strips without the need for extensive product development and manufacturing. By partnering with a reputable supplier, businesses can choose from a range of formulations and flavors, ensuring a product that aligns with their brand and target audience. So, if you feel like having a snack, prepare oats or coconut ladoos at home and eat them without guilt.”
7.Low-fat milk/Skim milk
Skim milk is considered healthy because it contains less fat than whole milk. However, while removing the extra fat, many essential nutrients are stripped from it. Synthetic nutrients such as calcium and protein are added to it to compensate for the loss. Therefore, purchasing skim milk has limited benefits as it can not provide you with the same nutrients found in whole milk.
8.Instant oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is not as good for health as many people think. Single-packing flavoured instant oatmeal contains excess sugar, which you do not require. Similarly, some instant oatmeals also contain dried vegetables, and we know that once dried, vegetables lose all their nutritional value. It also contains flavour enhancers, which are not a healthy choice for your health and well-being. Plain oats, on the other hand, have high nutritional value and do not contain any enhancers.
The bottom line
We believe now you know that not everything that is considered healthy is healthy. The best is to eat home-cooked healthy food at home or carefully check the nutritional content of the food. Remember that unhealthy foods often distinguish themselves as healthy, so read the labels carefully and make an informed choice.
