It has become increasingly complex for people to select nutritious foods because there is a huge variety of so-called healthy products that are available in the market. It has become the norm for companies to use certain words on product labels for appealing to customers who are interested in making healthier choices. You will find many products that are touted as low fat, low carb, vegan, gluten-free and more. However, just because such words have been used on labels of products is no guarantee that they are actually healthy. This is true in the case of many items that are advertised as ‘health foods’. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Granola
For decades, granola has been touted as a ‘healthy’ food. While it is true that granola and some of the granola bars available in the market are nutritious, you should not forget that they are also high in calories and come with a lot of added sugar. Eating too much sugar is never a good move because it can lead to numerous health problems like fatty liver, heart disease and obesity. Instead of buying granola bars, you can make your own at home by using nutritious ingredients and keeping the sugar content low
Flavored yogurts
While yogurt is undoubtedly healthy, you should bear in mind that it is unsweetened yogurt that is good for you. There are flavored yogurts available, but these contain a high quantity of sugar even in a small serving. Rather than opting for sweetened yogurt, you can go with unsweetened yogurt and top it off with fresh fruit to add some natural sweetness to it.
Protein bars and drinks
A lot of people are under the impression that the more protein a food item has, the healthier it is. Some foods like beans, eggs and fish have a high protein content and they are undoubtedly healthy. But, there are also items like protein bars and shakes that are presumed to be healthy, but this is not true. This is because these items are also loaded with oils, artificial colors and artificial sweeteners.
Energy and sports drinks
Energy and sports drinks that are available in the market are advertised as a way of boosting athletic performance and energy, but they do not offer any such health benefits. These drinks tend to have added sugar, large quantities of stimulants like caffeine and artificial colors. Most of these drinks have a very shocking amount of sugar, which is definitely not healthy for anyone.
Gluten-free snacks
Avoiding gluten is a must for those who are suffering from a gluten-related disorder. But, just because an item has been labeled gluten-free does not mean that it is better than foods that contain gluten. Some of the processed and gluten-free snacks have the same amount of sugar and calories as other snacks. Moreover, research has shown that these items are also low in fiber, protein and various minerals and vitamins. Plus, they are also more expensive, so they really do not offer any such benefit.
