15 Foods Your Doctor Would Never Eat, but You Don’t Mind Having Them
As we stroll down supermarket aisles or peruse restaurant menus, there are certain tempting foods we find ourselves gravitating to again and again. Despite the warnings, these are the indulgences we can’t seem to resist, even though we’re fully aware that our doctors would steer clear of them.
This list will bring those guilty pleasures to light, exploring why your physician might avoid them.
Processed Meats
Processed meats like salami, pepperoni, and sausage cause various health issues, including increased risk for cancer and heart disease. They are also usually high in sodium and saturated fat, which increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Doctors advise their patients to avoid processed meats as much as possible.
White Bread
White bread and other refined carbohydrates are made with processed flour and added sugar. They quickly digest, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels. Eating large amounts of white bread can put you at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and doctors usually recommend opting for whole-grain options like rye or multigrain instead.
Margarine
Margarine is a processed food made with hydrogenated vegetable oil, so it’s very high in trans-fats. Trans fats increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, so doctors suggest using other butter or oil instead. For instance, extra virgin olive oil can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.
Soda and Sugary Drinks
Soft drinks are high in sugar and calories but offer no nutritional value. They can also cause tooth decay, increase inflammation, and lead to weight gain. Doctors would rather you limit your consumption of sugary beverages or, better yet, replace them with water or unsweetened tea.
Candy Bars
Candy bars contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sugar, and unhealthy trans-fats. Consuming candy bars can contribute to dental issues, obesity, and other health risks. Health professionals suggest healthier alternatives like fruits or nuts when snacking to promote overall well-being.
Fast Food
Fast food is full of sodium, fat, and calories which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating fast food regularly also increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Home-cooked meals offer better control over ingredients and portion sizes, allowing for a more balanced and nutritious diet.
Canned Soups
Canned soups contain unhealthy ingredients like salt, MSG, a flavor enhancer, sugar, fat, and preservatives that can damage your organs. Also, these additives cause behavioral problems in children, so prepare soups at home using fresh and nutritious ingredients or look for canned soup options with lower sodium content, minimal additives, and more natural ingredients.
Donuts
Indulging in donuts, which are loaded with calories and empty carbs, contributes to the onset of diabetes. Making donuts involves frying unhealthy fats, such as shortening or oil, which raises cholesterol. Greek yogurt with blueberries or oatmeal topped with almonds are healthier options for breakfast.
Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is a popular snack containing unhealthy chemicals, like diacetyl, that cause lung damage and increased cancer risk. Trans fats used in cooking microwave popcorn contribute to high cholesterol and the development of cardiovascular diseases. You can make stovetop popcorn using healthier oils and seasonings or air-popped popcorn, which doesn’t contain added unhealthy ingredients.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are notorious for their high sugar content, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine. When consumed excessively, these components can wreak havoc on your body, leading to unpleasant effects like insomnia, muscle cramps, headaches, and dehydration.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes used to add sweetness to foods and beverages without the added calories of sugar. They are often used in products marketed as “diet” or “sugar-free” to cater to individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake or manage their calorie consumption. Natural sources of sweetness like honey, molasses, or maple syrup are healthier alternatives.
Refined Vegetable Oil
Refined vegetable oil, commonly used in cooking, contains high levels of saturated fats, trans fats, and unhealthy omega-6 fatty acids. Saturated and trans fats increase LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) in the blood and contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids, especially when not balanced with omega-3 fatty acids, promotes inflammation.
Processed Cheese
Consuming processed cheese poses health risks due to its high sodium and saturated fat content, which elevates the chances of developing heart disease. Also, it contains unhealthy preservatives and additives that may not benefit overall health. These preservatives negatively affect vital organs and result in other health concerns over time.
High-Mercury Fish
Fish is a healthy, low-calorie source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but mackerel, shark, orange roughy, swordfish, and tilefish contain high levels of mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that accumulates in the bodies of fish through their diet and water sources. Consuming fish with high mercury can harm human health, particularly for pregnant women and young children, as it damages the nervous system and causes developmental and reproductive issues.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Artificial colors and flavors are added to processed foods to make them more visually appealing and increase their shelf life. However, too much consumption of these additives leads to allergic reactions in some people and causes behavioral problems in children. Doctors advise avoiding processed food with artificial colors and flavors and opting for real, natural ingredients whenever possible.
