10 foods we think are unhealthy, but really aren't!

Find out which foods you have been avoiding that have been good for you all along!

1. Fried foods

While frying your food does increase your calorie count, it doesn't necessarily mean it is unhealthy. When fried in oil, and eaten in moderation, it is not entirely unhealthy. In reality, it contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Also being heart-healthy, and possessing cancer-preventive carotenoids. They are needed in order for fat to be absorbed.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is a concern due to people who abuse it, leading to the possibility of developing liver diseases. However, research shows that moderate consumption of alcohol "can reduce deaths from most causes, particularly heart disease, and it raises HDL (good) cholesterol."

Wine, for example, is known to reduce blood clotting, inflammation and oxidation. Drinking moderately refers to women drinking one glass with a meal, and men up to two glasses accompanying a meal.

3. Soy

Soy is very popular in Asian cuisines, however many believe it's dangerous. This is due to a test where rats were fed high concentrations of soy, after which they were found to have developed breast cancer.

Despite having no correlation with this and with breast cancer in humans, many continue to avoid it. In actual fact, soy is a great protector of the heart, so much so, the FDA approved health labels on soy.

4. Eggs

Eggs have had a bad reputation for their cholesterol content, which is thought to play a role in LDL and raising heart-disease risks. Although cholesterol in food is said to be a minor factor in contributing to high blood cholesterol.

According to Business Insider, "The major determinant of LDL cholesterol is saturated fat, and while eggs are high in cholesterol (184 milligrams in the yolk), they're relatively low in saturated fat — about 1.6 grams in the yolk." Additionally, eggs have been linked to aiding weight loss.

5. Potatoes

Many of us relate potatoes to increased blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, excess weight and type 2 diabetes. However, the truth is, that many foods, including wheat, cause similar increases in blood glucose.

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium and definitely will not ruin your diet. Opt for boiled or pan-fried potato dishes if you’re watching the waistline.

6. Fruits

Several people, mainly diabetics believe that the sugar in fruits is too high. However, avoiding fruit altogether can, in actual fact, be harmful to your health. Fruits reduce the risk of some cancers, heart diseases, high blood pressure as well as diabetes.

Fruit has a high content of water and fibre, which help you feel full with the added benefit of a lower intake of calories. The simple sugars they contain only raise blood sugar moderately.

7. Gluten and Wheat

Most people avoid gluten and wheat with the belief that they aren't good for the body. But certain foods containing gluten can actually be great for you

For example, foods such as whole wheat, rye and barley do wonders for your system. These foods reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and excess weight. Wheat is considered to be a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

8. Red meat

Previously thought to contribute to heart disease and weight gain, red meat has actually been discovered to have positive effects if you’re looking to lose weight. With more protein that anything else, your body has to work harder to break it down. The trick is in choosing the leaner cuts, try going for a sirloin and avoiding anything ‘prime’.

On top of that, red meat is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body such as iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B12!

9. Coconut oil

Shunned by dieters and health junkies for being high in saturated fats, coconut oil has now been discovered to contain triglycerides (fats your body prefers to use as energy as opposed to storing).

A study in 2009 showed that women’s diets supplemented with 2 tablespoons on coconut oil daily helped combat abdominal obesity. However, it remains to be high in calories so no more than 2 tablespoons daily should be consumed.

10. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is high in what are known as good fats, monounsaturated, and good-for-the-heart fats. In addition, it helps to regulate your appetite by keeping you fuller for longer. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on whole grain toast will keep you full for longer and you won’t binge on lunch!

This is one food we recommend you don’t pick up the low-fat variety of. This is due to the fact that they are usually heavily sweetened to make up for the lack of flavour from the reduced fat.

Written by

Sonia Pasupathy

foodhealthy eating