11 Demonized Foods That Are Actually Good For You

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

You may have heard that you should avoid certain foods like the plague. However, these tips are often based on outdated or false nutrition information.

The truth is that a lot foods considered unhealthy, are actually the exact opposite. Here are 11 demonized foodswhich are actually pretty good for you.

1. Whole eggs

Eggs are one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Unfortunately, for years people have been advised to avoid whole eggs. This is because egg yolks, which are high in cholesterol, are thought to raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

However, research shows that when you eat foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs, the liver produces less cholesterol to compensate. In most cases, blood cholesterol levels remain fairly stable.

In fact, whole eggs can help keep your heart healthy by changing the size and shape of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. At the same time, HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity increase.

2. Coconut oil

In the past, coconut oil was often used in packaged foods and food preparation, including in the preparation of popcorn.

Fears that saturated fats could cause cardiovascular disease have forced food manufacturers to replace it with partially hydrogenated vegetable and seed oils.

In recent years, several large studies have found that the consumption of saturated fats is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease. That's why coconut oil is demonized but useful food.

In fact, some types of saturated fats, such as those found in coconut oil, can actually have a good effect on the heart.

3. Whole milk

Cheese, butter and cream are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. That's why they enter the list of demonized foods.

However, research shows that high-fat dairy foods do not adversely affect cholesterol and other heart health prerequisites - even in people with high cholesterol levels or an increased risk of heart disease.

However, many people consume only low-fat dairy products. These products do not have some of the health benefits of full-fat products.

For example, only whole milk products contain vitamin K2, which helps with heart and bone health by maintaining calcium in your bones and outside your arteries.

4. Legumes

Legumes include beans, lentils, peas and peanuts, which are rich in protein, minerals and fiber. However, they have been criticized for containing phytates and other anti-inflammatory substances that impair the absorption of minerals such as zinc and iron.

This seems to be a problem only for people who do not eat meat, poultry and fish. Those who consume meat can absorb enough of these minerals from animal foods, and legumes do not interfere with their absorption.

5. Unprocessed meat

According to some people, red meat is responsible for increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other serious diseases.

Unlike processed meat, however, unprocessed red meat appears to have a much weaker link to an increased risk of disease, if any.

Unprocessed meat is a great source of high quality protein and is an important part of the evolutionary diet of humans. It causes people to develop the ability to grow taller and develop larger, more complex brains.

Animal proteins, including meat, have a very good effect on muscle function. In one study, older women who ate lean beef had increased muscle mass and strength. They also have a decrease in some inflammatory processes in their body.

6. Coffee

Although it can cause side effects in people sensitive to caffeine, coffee usually provides many health benefits.

Studies show that caffeine in coffee improves mood as well as mental and physical condition. It can also speed up your metabolism.

Moreover, coffee contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of various diseases.

7. Canned and frozen vegetables

Canned and frozen vegetables are often considered less nutritious than fresh ones. However, research shows that canning and freezing vegetables preserves most of their nutrients. This process also leads to a cheaper product.

8. Whole grains

It is true that the grain is not suitable for everyone. This includes people with diabetes and grain sensitivity, as well as those who follow a low-carbohydrate diet.

However, some whole grains can benefit other people. In fact, eating whole grains on a regular basis is associated with reduced inflammation, body weight and belly fat.

9. Sol

Salt or sodium is often referred to as "responsible" for raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, salt is a critical electrolyte needed to maintain fluid balance and maintain proper muscle and nerve function.

10. Seafood with shells

Seafood includes shrimp, mussels, crabs and oysters. They are generally considered healthy, although many people worry about high cholesterol.

Crustaceans do contain quite high levels of cholesterol, but their consumption is unlikely to raise blood cholesterol. Your liver will simply produce less cholesterol to compensate.

11. Chocolate

Most people don't usually think that chocolate is healthy because it is high in sugar and calories. However, dark chocolate or cocoa can also provide health benefits.

This is an antioxidant power plant. In fact, cocoa contains flavanols, which provide greater antioxidant activity than all fruits, including blueberries and acai.

Dark chocolate also increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure and improves arterial function in overweight adults and patients with high blood pressure.