Common Foods that Should be on the "Danger List"

Worried About What foods are healthy and which ones aren't? Even though we engage a lot in some of these foods, we must be aware of the risks or benefits health wise.

Here's a list of 10 harmful foods you have to steer clear from...

Fizzy Drinks

With the news that fizzy drinks up our diabetes risk by a whopping 22 per cent, did you know that many other common everyday foods have serious health implications?

Caffeine

There is debate around the health benefits or risks of caffeine, which is found in energy drinks, coffee and in tea in smaller amounts. A stimulant, caffeine can mess with your hormones, affecting the body's natural mood stabilising process. It's also been linked to migraines and raises blood pressure. Avoid energy drinks and swap coffee for tea or at least try to reduce the number of cups a day.

 

Crisps

Crisps got some rather bad press recently, after a pack a day was found to be the same (though rather tastier) as drinking five litres of cooking oil a year. Eating just a few packs a week is thought to increase your risk of heart disease. Plus the amount of fat they contain leads to a plethora of health problems related to obesity.

 

Beans

Beans are great for you, containing dietary fibre and vitamins. But the canned, flavoured variety we regularly eat on toast are packed with salts, chemical flavourings and even sugar. Check the packet carefully or make your own.

 

Margarine

Not long ago margarine was considered healthier than butter but experts now warn that margarine is far more synthetic, isn't better for your heart and may actually contain harmful chemicals. More research is needed but in moderation, butter seems the better option.

Wholewheat 

We're often told to eat whole-wheat and wholegrain brown bread but what we buy in the supermarkets is often devoid of many nutrients, lacks the fibre you'd expect and contains high levels of salt. Read the backs of packs, try artisan loaves or make your own.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Home-made spaghetti bolognese might seem like a healthy evening meal but actually white pasta has little nutritionist value and bolognese is made with minced red meat, which has been linked to ill health and premature death. For a healthier version, opt for brown pasta and exchange half of the meat for grated carrot or lentils. Or try Quorn and see if anyone notices.

 

 

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a dieter's go to but they give your body salts and sugars it doesn't need without delivering any nutrition. Too much salt can raise your blood pressure and as rice cakes won't leave you feeling full for long, they can even encourage overeating.

 

Wholewheat or Bran Breakfast

Wholewheat or bran breakfast muffins may be made with whole flour, bran and other 'good' ingredients, but there's no escaping from the sugar, salt and fat they contain. They won't keep you full all morning and deceive you into thinking you've picked a healthy choice.

 

Popcorn

Popcorn itself isn't bad for you but microwave varieties with flavourings are high in the potentially-harmful chemical diacetyl that gives it a buttery taste and also may damage your lungs. Plus it contains huge amounts of salt, which raises your blood pressure and causes water retention. Instead try making your own by popping kernels with home-made flavourings such as chilli.

Whoa! what a list you'll say. You're probably munching away on some of these right now. Right? Seriously? it breaks my heart to find some of my "favs" on this list too, but we just have to do what "em nutritionists and dictors say. I think we should stay healthy by avoiding or staying away from harmful and unhealthy foods (in general) as much as we can.