Some foods are detrimental to our health and are commonly consumed in our daily lives, even though they are mistakenly believed to be healthy, such as margarine, soy derivatives, sweeteners etc.
In general, what makes these foods harmful are some artificial ingredients used in them, such as flavor enhancers, preservatives and fats.
All of this just reinforces to us that the more natural the food, the better. To adopt a healthier diet, check out some of the foods that are bad for you, but that many of us consume daily. Are you ready for a shock?
10 unhealthy foods
1. Margarine
Despite its false reputation of being a healthier option and having fewer calories than butter, the truth is that margarine is the real villain. It is on the list of foods that are harmful to health due to the vegetable oils that make up this product and that are, in fact, hydrogenated . In fact, they are what give margarine that solid and creamy texture, even at room temperature.
Another worrying thing about margarine is that these hydrogenated oils are true sources of trans fat . This type of fat is dangerous, according to medicine, because it leads to the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the arteries , which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes .
2. Processed meats
Are you one of those people who can’t resist sausages, salami, salami, bacon or even a good ham or mortadella? Since all of these meats are processed, they are high in fat and sodium.
But that’s not all. In addition to contributing to weight gain, increased cholesterol and blood pressure , recent studies indicate that frequent consumption of processed meats increases the risk of developing colon cancer .
3. Soft drinks
Soft drinks are drinks consumed in large quantities all over the world. The problem is that the high amounts of sugar present in these drinks can cause several health complications over time. As they raise blood sugar levels, people can develop insulin resistance, which can result in diabetes , for example.
4. Artificial sweeteners
Everyone thinks that light and diet products are healthier. However, all of these products are rich in artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, which replace sugar.
According to studies, there is a growing number of cases of increased blood sugar levels in people who frequently use sweeteners . This causes the product to have the opposite effect to that expected, leaving its consumers more exposed to obesity, diabetes and even hypertension.
5. Fried food is bad for you
Although they are always delicious, fried foods are on the list of foods that are harmful to your health and everyone knows that. When you eat fried food, you end up consuming “tons” of saturated fat, which leads to obesity , diabetes and increases the likelihood of heart disease in a frightening way .
6. Microwave popcorn
There’s nothing better than watching a movie with the person you love, a duvet and some popcorn, especially if it’s microwave popcorn, which is much easier to prepare. Isn’t that right?
But even though it’s delicious, microwave popcorn is one of the most unhealthy foods to avoid. The problem isn’t just the high amounts of fat and sodium , but also the lining of the popcorn bag itself. Studies have shown that it contains dangerous chemicals, such as perfluorooctanic acid , which has been linked to thyroid disorders , cancer, and lung disease.
7. Canned foods are bad for you
Despite their practicality, these foods are also harmful to health due to the coating of the containers in which they are sold.
According to studies, cans contain bisphenol A, a compound capable of interfering with the body’s hormone levels , causing obesity and a series of other problems, especially precocious puberty in young people.
8. Instant noodles
They also save you when you’re hungry, but they’re by no means a healthy option for your diet. In addition to the exorbitant calories in instant noodles , they provide very few nutrients and are a sodium bomb .
9. White breads
Bread is always delicious, but it is a poor food when made with white flour. Despite its flavor, it offers very few nutrients , is very high in calories and can lead to high blood sugar and weight gain .
10. Soy-based foods are bad for you
As with margarine, soy-based products are considered healthy, but they are among the foods that are harmful to health. Rich in isoflavones, these soy compounds mimic the hormone estrogen (which is very present in women’s bodies) and, in high concentrations, can cause fertility problems .
