We all want to eat healthily. Many foods have health benefits that we don’t want to miss out on. But some other foods masquerade as healthy superfoods when, in fact, the opposite is true.
The health halo effect
According to experts, this phenomenon is known as the “halo effect”. The phenomenon is seen in the food industry when labels such as “high in fibre” or “low in calories” are applied to food packaging to make the product appear healthier. These foods are actually extremely processed, making them anything but nutritious. Because truly healthy foods do not have to be specifically labelled as “healthy”.
Juice and smoothies from the supermarket
Supermarket juices and smoothies are often sold as a source of vitamins from real fruit. However, they often contain sweeteners that not only directly contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay in children but also increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. Juices and smoothies should, therefore, only be bought freshly squeezed. Alternatively, if you prepare them yourself, you will know exactly what is inside.
This fruit makes your smoothie unhealthier
Protein bars
Protein bars are often labelled as “high in protein”, “low in sugar”, and “low in calories”. However, these bars often contain dozens of unhealthy ingredients, including many artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers that are not good for our gut.
Muesli
The typical labels for breakfast cereals include “made from whole grains,” “contain iron,” “source of vitamin D,” and “plant-based.” But what is not readily apparent is that there are few nutrients and a lot of sugar. A healthier breakfast alternative? Porridge!
New diet hype: oats
Supermarket cookies and bread
Bread from the supermarket is usually frozen for weeks. Supermarket cookies include up to thirty ingredients, such as sugar, artificial colouring, emulsifiers, and preservatives of various kinds, to keep them fresh for as long as possible before being sold. Bread not only tastes better straight from the baker but is also much healthier.
Children’s snacks
Many children’s snacks are also sugar traps. Some contain one to four sugar cubes per children’s bar! Experts therefore recommend that parents look beyond the labels and focus on the actual list of ingredients instead.
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