FROM DAILY MAIL: A top cardiologist has revealed the five seemingly healthy foods he avoids because of their potential negative health implications, with some surprising making his list.
Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, who is based out of California, said many people assume seed oils, ‘diet’ products, flavored yogurts, protein bars and vegetable chips, are healthier alternatives to traditional oils or full-fat items.
But the health expert argues that these products are not always better, and, in some cases, despite the lower calorie count, they can actually be worse.
This is because some diet products, Dr Bhojraj points out, contain synthetic additives that have been linked to a range of health problems, including digestive difficulties, heart concerns and even cancer.
The following foods are on Dr. Bhojraj’s list of foods to avoid:
Seed oils
Refined seed oils like canola, soybean, and corn oil can oxidize when heated, potentially causing inflammation in the arteries and cells.
Dr. Bhojraj recommends healthier options such as olive oil, avocado oil, beef tallow, and grass-fed ghee.
Diet and zero-sugar foods and drinks
Artificial sweeteners can confuse the body’s insulin response and increase cravings for sugar.
Flavored yogurts
Flavored yogurts can contain more sugar than desserts to make up for the loss of flavor and texture from removing fat.
Protein bars
Many are high in sugar and are also often made from seed oils and syrups that can cause bloating and digestive issues.
Vegetable chips
They are typically fried in refined oils, just like traditional chips, including unhealthy seed oils. Opt for baking sweet potato slices or roasting chickpeas at home.
“Functional medicine is about awareness,” Dr. Bhojraj said in his post. “When you understand how food signals your biology, your choices get a lot clearer.”
Read more at DAILY MAIL. The article adds commentary for every food item on the list to help you weigh the risks.
