Salad, rice, and more: These foods are much less healthy than you think

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Most of us know that pizza, fries, and the like are not part of a healthy diet. But when it comes to other foods, such as rice or salad, we are quick to be misled because not everything that appears healthy at first glance is. Some foods that are advertised as “better” or “lighter” choices can harbor hidden health risks.

Light products
Light products promise less fat, less sugar, or fewer calories and are therefore often considered “healthier” alternatives. But caution is advised here, as many manufacturers resort to artificial sweeteners, thickeners, and additional flavorings. Studies show that consuming such sweeteners can stimulate the appetite and even increase the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Meat alternatives are trendy: burgers made from pea protein, soy-based sausages, or plant-based minced meat products. At first glance, it seems that avoiding meat is always the healthier choice. However, many of these products are highly processed and contain a variety of additives. Many meat alternatives contain high amounts of salt, saturated fats, and flavorings to simulate the taste and texture of meat.

White rice
White rice is considered a staple food in many households. It is filling, inexpensive, and easy to prepare. However, compared to other grains, it scores poorly in terms of health. During processing, the nutrient-rich husk of the rice grain is removed, leaving mainly carbohydrates without fiber and vitamins. White rice has a high glycemic index, which means it quickly raises blood sugar levels. This can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar and thus to cravings.

Those who don’t have time to make their salad often resort to pre-packaged leafy salads. After all, salad is considered healthy per se. However, the pre-washed, pre-packaged varieties have some hidden pitfalls. They may contain bacteria such as Listeria or E. coli that have not been completely removed despite thorough washing. In addition, the salad loses many nutrients during processing, especially if it has been sitting on the supermarket shelf for a few days. Preservatives are also often added to maintain “freshness.” That’s why you should opt for fresh, unprocessed leafy salads instead.

Vegetable broth
Whether as a base for soups or as a flavor enhancer in sauces, vegetable broth is often considered a healthy ingredient because it contains vegetable extracts. But appearances can be deceiving. Many instant vegetable broths are real salt traps. They also usually contain additives such as flavor enhancers, which can cause headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals. If you want to cook healthier, it is better to use fresh ingredients and make your broth.