Do you avoid potatoes or stay away from chocolates to remain healthy? It has been seen that most health conscious or diet obsessed people make the mistake of cutting down food from their diet just because they are considered to be unhealthy.
Over the years we have all had favorite food varieties that have been blacklisted, but thankfully most of them are making a comeback. In fact recent studies suggest that foods which were once labeled as unhealthy are healthy when eaten in moderation. Some of them actually help you in weight loss.
Let’s understand more about the foods with a bad reputation.
Eggs
For years, eggs have been demonized as cholesterol causing foods. They are known to be high in fats and hence best if avoided.
Good News:
Studies suggest that eating eggs for breakfast are healthy as they are packed with proteins which will keep you fuller longer and also help you maintain your weight. It is necessary to avoid the fattening companions that accompany it such as butter, cheese etc. to gain maximum health benefits. Well Known Nutritionist Sweta Maniar says, “Every individual needs a daily diet of proteins to keep their bodies in tip top conditions. Egg is a good source of protein, a hardboiled egg gives 6 gms of proteins and contain only about 50 calories. Egg also contains minerals like vitamin B12 and Zinc which are essential to remain healthy. People with heart problems or obese individuals can skip the yolk portion and enjoy eating the egg whites to gain maximum health benefits."
Potatoes
Potatoes are avoided by most weight watchers. They have gained reputation mainly because they rank high on the glycemic index which measures how quickly various food items raise your blood sugar levels.
Good News.
The high gylemic index of any food article can be amended by making simple changes in the style it is presented. Potatoes when cooked with olive oil becomes a low GI because the added fat helps in slowing the carbohydrate absorption process. Sweta says, “Potatoes are good source of fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. The fried variety of potatoes should be avoided, boiled potatoes when had with a balanced meal (which contains proteins, carbohydrates, fiber etc) does not negatively affect the health."
Chocolates
Chocolates are well known for fats, sugars and high calories and are hence believed to be bad for health. They are known to cause tooth decay.
Good News:
Dark chocolates contain antioxidants that seem to have a blood thinning effect which help cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolates everyday for 2 weeks reduces stress hormones. Nutritionist Sweta Maniar says “Dark chocolates contain antioxidants called flavonoll which slows the aging process and is good for the heart. Dark chocolates also release the feel good hormones which help to reduce stress." Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth properly helps to prevent tooth decay caused due to eating chocolates.”
Coffee
Over the years caffeine has gained a bad reputation, coffee contains caffeine and has a found its ways in the list of unhealthy food. It is believed that drinking coffee may interfere with sleep patterns.
Good News:
Coffee has many nutritional benefits as long as it is not over loaded with sugar or whipped cream. Studies suggest that coffee contains chlorogenic acids that play an important role in the prevention of parkinson or diabetes. Nutritionist Sweta says “Coffee helps in reducing the chances of developing Dementia, however portion control is important to gain maximum benefits from coffee. Drinking too many cups of coffee (more than 2 cups per day) can cause constipation or disrupt your sleeping pattern."
Nuts
Nuts are always believed to be high in fats and calories and should be avoided.
Good News:
Nuts may be loaded with fats but they are the good kind of fats. Nuts also contain plenty of beneficial nutrients including Vitamin E and Zinc and are a good source of fiber and hence it is a good idea to snack on them instead of calorie laden chips or cookies.
There are many such foods that are labeled as unhealthy because of various myths attached to it or due to its high caloric values. It is important to understand that all food items contain healthy nutrients so it is incorrect to categorize food as healthy or unhealthy. Portion control is the key to good health.
