Nutrition is always a hot topic. My patients often ask me which foods are good for their body and which can be harmful. But everything is so relative and so individual. For example, some foods are "traditionally" considered unhealthy, but in fact they are not. I will present here 8 foods that are considered harmful, but in fact they are not as "terrible" as people claim:
Salt
Everyone knows salt as a "white poison", the use of which can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, and so on.
On the contrary, when we stop consuming sodium, the body begins to produce hormones and enzymes that increase blood pressure. What's more, there are studies that have shown a direct link between low salt intake and high blood pressure or heart disease.
So when used in moderation, this spice is completely harmless.
You should read this article to know in detail about salt and whether it is good for health: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/salt-good-or-bad
Eggs
We were once advised to limit our consumption of eggs because of cholesterol and its ability to clog arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.
Later, scientists admitted that they were mistaken: in fact, there are two types of cholesterol – “good” and “bad”, and it is the “good” one that is contained in eggs. In addition, they are rich in iron and protein, as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against age-related visual impairments such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Butter
Here the experts clarify – the butter can be different. The product that a person receives from grass-fed cows, and not processed grain and corn, is useful. This butter contains all kinds of substances that are very good for the body and brain, such as vitamin K2 and vitamin A. Buy farm butter from trusted suppliers with veterinary certificates and then you can be sure of its benefits!
Pasta
Have you heard of the pasta diet? It turns out useful if the pasta is made from durum wheat, spelled or buckwheat (soba). Dishes from such pasta are rich in fiber, B vitamins, as well as many minerals – potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc. Pasta dishes are best combined with vegetables and lean meats, and are also seasoned with herbs and tomato paste.
Popcorn
Few people know that this favorite of moviegoers is incredibly useful for humans. It is full of fiber and antioxidants. The problem with popcorn is that people tend to add a bunch of unhealthy ingredients like sugar, salt, and butter to it. If you eat it in its pure form, there will be no harm to the body.
White rice
There are several reasons why you should not be afraid of white rice. Here are a few of them:
- It is easily digested and helps to remove toxins. So this is the perfect food if you suffer from indigestion.
- It does not contain gluten. For many, this is very important.
- It helps prevent chronic digestive problems.
In addition, white rice has been shown to contain less arsenic than brown rice.
Coffee
Many people refuse coffee, believing that caffeine excites the nervous system too much, which negatively affects the heart and blood vessels. But scientific research on the subject paints a very different picture. It turns out that drinking coffee not only does not lead to problems with the cardiovascular system, but also reduces the amount of sugar in the blood. In addition, older coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, there are some nuances here. First, coffee must be brewed from beans or ground powder. Secondly, it is recommended to consume no more than 1-2 cups per day. Otherwise, problems can really begin.
Beer
It's definitely bad because it's alcohol! – you say. Moreover, you can get fat from it, remember the so-called "beer belly"!
Beer (especially craft beer) is very healthy, so you can afford it from time to time. Research shows that it can lower blood pressure, prevent diabetes, and help you lose weight.
Quality beer is a good source of B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12) and folic acid. Drinking this drink in moderation can reduce the risk of heart disease by 30-35%.