The Shocking Truth About the Foods We’re Told to Avoid

Salty Snacks

It’s hard to avoid salty snacks when they’re specifically designed to taste good. But here’s the catch: A lot of the foods we’re told we shouldn’t eat might not actually be all that bad for us. In fact, what’s deemed bad for you might be totally different than what’s considered bad. Salty snacks are usually seen as unhealthy because of their high sodium content, but a new study has shown that they may not be as bad as once thought. The study found that eating too much salt can lead to other health problems like kidney disease or heart failure and should be avoided, but it seems there is no set amount where too much is considered harmful and any excess could still lead to these issues.

Cookies & Other Baked Goods

Cookies are made up of mostly sugar, butter, flour, and eggs. Sugar is a carbohydrate that has been shown to have a high glycemic index. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars which can then be used for energy or stored as fat. This can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other serious health issues in some cases. Butter is high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which is known to contribute to heart disease and obesity. Flour is made from wheat so it can be hard for those with gluten allergies or celiac disease but it also contains gluten which can cause inflammation in your gut lining if you don’t have an allergy or disease.

Soda

Most people know that soda can be bad for your teeth, but did you know it might also be bad for your waistline? According to a study published in Obesity, drinking just one sugar-sweetened beverage per day can lead to significant weight gain over time. And while diet soda might seem like a better alternative, this study found that people who drink diet drinks are actually heavier than those who don’t.
Furthermore, most sodas contain caffeine which is shown to increase anxiety levels and disrupt sleep patterns. Some studies have even shown that the amount of caffeine in one 12-ounce can of soda is enough to cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and crankiness if consumed suddenly after quitting cold turkey. It’s important to note that not all sodas are created equal – sparkling water with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners can actually help maintain healthy weight goals by satisfying thirst without adding excess calories.

Processed Meats

It’s easy to say that processed meats are bad for you because they contain high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives. But here’s the catch: There’s a good chance that your favorite cuts of steak have more saturated fat and more calories than your favorite hot dog on a bun. Plus, according to this study in Science Daily, processed meat consumption does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus or coronary heart disease. And it might even be better for you than some other proteins.

Cheeseburgers

If you love cheeseburgers but have been told they’re bad for your health, you might be surprised by what you learn. This popular food is often considered a no-no because of its high-fat content and cholesterol. But in reality, cheeseburgers are low in sodium, gluten-free, and contain important nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. And if you want to know more about their calorie count, they clock in at around 300 calories per patty when grilled or fried on a bun with lettuce and tomato. So you can have a burger without any guilt!

Corn Syrup

Many people believe that HFCS is worse for you than regular old table sugar because it contains more fructose which can lead to health problems like heart disease or diabetes. However, there’s no research showing this to be true (13). Plus, there are tons of natural sources of fructose, including fruit and some vegetables. And if you’re worried about your weight, cutting back on HFCS won’t help – in fact, studies show that diets high in fructose actually promote weight loss (14). It’s worth noting too that while we’ve been told to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, a study found that honey and agave syrup is actually WORSE for us than conventional sugars such as sucrose and corn syrup (15). Bottom line: You can eat foods with high-fructose corn syrup without worrying about negative side effects.