If you’re honest with yourself, you know certain foods aren’t good for your health. You’ve probably heard it from your doctor repeatedly: “Stay away from this; avoid eating that.” But despite the warnings, you keep going back to these dangerous foods. Maybe it’s because they’re so delicious, or you can’t resist temptation.
Whatever the reason, here are 20 of the most dangerous foods your doctor tells you to avoid, but you keep eating anyway. Perhaps this list will help motivate you to make healthier choices in the future.
Salami and Other Processed Meats
Salami, bacon, pepperoni, and other processed meats contain sodium nitrate. This preservative is not only linked to cancer but has also been linked to cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and heart attack. These meats also contain saturated fats that can cause cholesterol build-up, further increasing your risk of heart disease.
Raw Oysters and Clams
Raw oysters and clams are a potential source of foodborne illnesses such as Vibrio vulnificus, an infection that can be deadly if left untreated. Ingesting these mollusks raw or undercooked puts you at risk for severe disease.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are often laden with preservatives, artificial coloring and flavorings, and monosodium glutamate. If consumed in excess, MSG is an excitotoxin that can damage the nervous system and cause headaches, nausea, chest pain, and heart irregularities.
Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts have been linked to E. coli, salmonella, and listeria infections. Most bacteria that can grow on sprouts are killed off by heat, but when consumed raw, they can cause severe food poisoning. Avoid eating any raw or undercooked sprouts, or better cook them properly before consumption!
Diet Soda
Diet soda may seem healthier, but it is still dangerous. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which is linked to weight gain, diabetes, and even cancer if consumed in large quantities. Also, drinking too much diet soda can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
Low-fat Peanut Butter
Low-fat peanut butter often contains hidden sugar and trans fat, which can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and other health problems. Avoid low-fat peanut butter and instead opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener commonly used in processed foods. It has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease due to its high sugar content. Also, HFCS can interfere with the body’s natural process of metabolizing sugars, leading to an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels. Cutting off processed foods is the best way to avoid this dangerous sweetener.
Canned Tomatoes
Tinned tomatoes contain added sugar and preservatives like sodium, which can cause hypertension, diabetes, and weight gain. The high acid content in tinned tomatoes can also increase your risk of developing food poisoning. Stick to fresh or frozen tomatoes for all your cooking needs, as they are healthier.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is high in sodium, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. It also contains acrylamide, a chemical in heated foods, which has been linked to cancer. Go for low-sodium varieties or use other seasonings.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a staple in many households. Unfortunately, it contains nasty contaminants like mercury and other industrial pollutants, which causes neurological damage and impaired fertility. Choose fresh or frozen tuna to get all the Omega-3 fatty acids without the dangers of pollutants.
Fish With High Levels of Mercury
Avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as swordfish and tilefish. These fish contain large amounts of mercury which can cause decreased fertility, increased risk of cancer, and impaired neurological development. Opt for salmon, trout, or other types of low-mercury fish instead.
Fruit Canned in Syrup
Fruit canned in syrup may seem like an easy, healthy snack, but the sugar content is very high and can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels. Choose fresh fruit or buy those canned in water or its own juice to keep your health in check.
White Flour-based Cereals
White flour-based cereals are highly processed and have almost no nutritional value. Overeating this type of cereal can lead to weight gain, decreased energy, diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems. Reach for whole-grain cereals like oatmeal, full of healthy fiber and vitamins.
Non Organic Strawberries
Berries, in general, are packed with antioxidants that help lower your risk of disease. However, non-organic strawberries contain dangerous pesticides and chemicals that can harm your health. These chemicals have been linked to cancers, congenital disabilities, and other severe conditions. What’s the better choice? Organic strawberries that are free from pesticides and other hazardous chemicals.Â
Packaged Doughnuts
Packaged donuts are high in trans fat, sugar, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Eating these sugary treats too often can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems. A better alternative? Fresh-baked donuts contain fewer calories and less fat, or you could try baking some at home using whole-grain flour and natural sweeteners.Â
White Rice
White rice is highly processed and stripped of its nutrients; this can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases like insulin resistance. Switch to brown rice or other whole grain alternatives for more health benefits.
Pre-made Pie Crusts
Pre-made pie crusts are packed with trans fats and hydrogenated oils, raising harmful cholesterol levels and increasing your risk of developing heart disease. You’re better off eating crusts made with whole-wheat flour, olive oil, and other healthy ingredients.
The Impossible Burger
The Impossible Burger has become increasingly popular for its plant-based approach to burgers. However, it is high in soy protein isolate and other processed oils, which can be hard on your body. If you want a healthier alternative, make your burgers using whole-food ingredients like mushrooms, beans, and walnuts.
Low-fat Ice Cream
Low-fat ice cream is filled with artificial flavors and sweeteners, making it unhealthy for your body. Opt for full-fat ice creams made from natural ingredients such as coconut milk, honey, and cocoa powder. These healthier options are packed with all the flavors without the added chemicals.
Table Salt
Table salt is highly refined and contains additives that can be hard on your body. Switch to natural Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, which contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These salts add flavor without processed additives.
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