There is always so much information floating around about the negative effects of eating certain foods. Find out which ones got a bad rap for no good reason. Chances are you have been avoiding at least one of them.
Nuts
Often avoided for their high fat content, nuts have a shocking health benefit. A recent study shows that nut consumption is associated with a decrease in total all-cause mortality. What this means in plain English is that eating nuts will help you live longer. When choosing nuts as a snack, a variety of types of nuts will give you the best mix of omega-3s, antioxidants, protein and fibre. If you are concerned about your waistline, then opt for the ones with the lowest calorie and fat content, such as almonds, cashews and pistachios. Remember that portion control is important and that one handful (about 1 ounce) is enough for the day.
Eggs
Once thought to be unhealthy because of their high cholesterol content, eggs are having a comeback. Eggs are quite low in calories and packed full of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, folate, lutein and selenium. Egg consumption has also been found to increase your good cholesterol while rarely increasing your bad cholesterol. In fact, studies show that egg consumption might actually reduce your risk of stroke. Always remember to not overdo it, and if you have any medical issues, such as diabetes or familial hypercholesterolemia (a hereditary cause of high cholesterol), then it is important to speak with your physician about the right diet for you.
Pork
Pork is another food that has an undeserved bad reputation. Not only are pork chops and pork tenderloin lower in calorie count and fat than chicken thighs and sometimes chicken breasts, but they are also packed with vital nutrients. Rich in protein, zinc, selenium and B vitamins, pork can help you lose weight while maintaining muscle mass. Try to avoid fried or cured pork — such as ham, bacon and ribs — as much as possible, because of their high sodium and fat content.
Butter
Who doesn’t love butter? In the past several decades, margarine consumption has increased while butter consumption has gone down. The butter vs. margarine debate is still going strong, and there are good points for both. It’s true that margarine does contain less saturated fat, but although butter is high in saturated fat, it is also rich in fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E and K. In addition, the saturated fats found in butter might not contribute to cardiovascular disease and obesity as much as we once thought. In fact, when we deprive ourselves of fat in our diet, we often replace it with more carbohydrates and sugars, which do cause obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Check out this article released by Time magazine to make you feel less guilty about your love for butter.
Avocados
Creamy avocado is good for so many things, from dip to salad to a slice all on its own. However, the fat content in avocados scares most people away. Keep in mind that the type of fat found in avocados is mostly the healthy kind: monounsaturated fats. These fats might help reduce cholesterol as well as your risk of cardiac disease. Avocados also have a lower sugar content and higher protein content than most other fruits. They are an excellent source of fibre and contain more potassium per weight than bananas. What’s even better is that avocado consumption might help you lose weight and shrink your waistline.
It’s time to stop depriving yourself of these delicious healthy foods. Remember to practice moderation, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you and a more satisfied stomach.
More on healthy foods
Top 10 healthiest vegetables
5 Best sources of healthy fats
Don’t go fat free! Best sources of good fats
Leave a Comment