Many foods that we consider healthy in our daily diet can actually pose unexpected dangers to our body and sometimes have more harmful effects than fast food. When the composition of products presented under the "health" label in the modern food industry is thoroughly investigated, the high amounts of sugar and artificial additives hidden inside them cause serious concern.
Medianews.az reports, citing Foodinfo.az, that according to well-known dietitians, even the nine food types considered the most beneficial can disrupt metabolic processes if not chosen properly or consumed excessively. Especially ready-made fruit juices and fitness bars sold in stores negatively affect the body's insulin balance due to the preservatives they contain, paving the way for weight gain.
Dietitians state that low-fat yogurts and diet products are often enriched with artificial flavorings and thickeners to improve taste, which makes them more harmful than their natural variants. Granola and ready porridges, which many people prefer for breakfast, not only have high calorie content but also act as hidden sugar reservoirs that cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. Even the sulfur dioxide and other chemicals used to preserve the color during the production of dried fruits are among the factors that can cause allergic reactions and digestive system disorders. In some types of plant-based milks, the fats and emulsifiers added to regulate the flavor pose risks to cardiovascular health.
To ensure that the steps taken towards healthy eating do not have adverse effects, it is crucial to carefully read the label of each product and be sure of the naturalness of its ingredients. Eating fresh fruit itself is more beneficial than consuming it as juice because the fibers in fruit slow the absorption of sugar into the blood and protect the body. Store-bought sauces and "healthy" salad dressings are often rich in trans fats, so it is more appropriate to replace them with olive oil and lemon at home. It should not be forgotten that the "healthy" label on any food does not mean it can be consumed without limits, and a balanced approach is the most fundamental rule for maintaining health. Favoring natural and unprocessed products in daily nutrition is the most reliable way to ensure the body's long-term vitality.