Six Foods That Are Surprisingly Bad for You
Smart
choice or diet don't? A nutritionist shares the scary side of these everyday
foods.
By Sara
Schwartz
Bad-for-You Foods
On the
surface, these everyday foods seem like healthy choices, but according to
recent studies, they contain ingredients that have been linked to cancer,
diabetes, inflammation, and other serious illnesses.
To clear up
the health-food confusion, we talked to Mira Calton, certified nutritionist,
board-certified integrative health specialist, and co-author with her husband,
Jayson B. Calton, of Rich Food, Poor Food.
Read on for
Calton's list of sneaky "health" foods that are actually bad for you,
plus her recommendations for tasty, nutritious substitutes >>
1. Chicken
Why it's
bad for you: Many popular brands of conventional chicken are raised with
genetically modified feed and antibiotics, which have been shown in some
studies to be harmful to animals. And a recent study found that chickens were
being given an antibiotic banned by the FDA because it can create
bacteria-resistant "super bugs" that are harmful to humans. Chicken
can also contain alarmingly high levels of cancer-causing arsenic.
Mira says:
"When it comes to arsenic in chicken, the writing appears to be on the
wall. According to a 2006 study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade
Policy, 55 percent of conventional and premium chicken contains arsenic. Though
the study found the amounts were low enough to be deemed safe by the FDA,
researchers caution, 'even low exposures to something known to cause cancer
generally is presumed to be risky, and therefore to be avoided.'"
What to eat
instead: Opt for organic pasture-raised poultry to ensure the absence of
antibiotics, genetically modified feed, and arsenic, and the presence of more
vitamins and minerals in the meat.
2. Store-Bought Salad Dressing
Why it's
bad for you: Bottled dressings typically are loaded with sugar, which can
deplete vitamin C, lower immunity, and block the body's absorption of calcium
and magnesium, not to mention pack on the pounds.
Mira says:
"Sugar can be found in bottled dressings under various aliases, including
Agave nectar, brown sugar, evaporated cane juice, fructose, fruit juice
concentrate, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, and sucrose. Whatever name
it goes by, sugar is sugar. What's more, Catalina and ranch dressings often
contain artificial colors—five of which (blue 1, blue 2 , yellow 5, yellow 6,
red 40) are banned in other countries, because they have been linked to cancer,
gene mutation and ADHD. Even products labeled as "olive oil"
dressings generally contain little olive oil, and mostly are made of cheaper
vegetable oils that aren't as good for you."
What to eat
instead: Make your own salad dressing using organic extra-virgin olive oil,
vinegar, and spices, or try Vigoa Lime Salad Splash or Zukay Sweet Onion Basil
Dressing.
3. Flavored Coffee Creamers
Why they're
bad for you: Some creamers don't include any actual dairy and are instead made
from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn syrup solids, and artificial
flavoring. They are also extremely high in sugar.
Mira says:
"According to the Harvard School of Public Health, partially hydrogenated
oils cause about 50,000 premature heart attack deaths annually. This dangerous
ingredient has been shown to raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol,
increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack by 50
percent!"
What to eat
instead: Try to use real cream (just a touch will make your coffee super
creamy) and a few drops of stevia, a naturally occurring sweetener.
4. Canned Spaghetti Sauce
Why it's
bad for you: Many non-organic canned sauces contain both high frustose corn
syrup (HFCS) and MSG, both of which have been proven to promote overeating.
Mira says:
"HFCS prevents your body from secreting the hormone leptin, whose job it
is to make you feel full—this causes overeating. Also, studies have shown that
eating foods containing MSG causes you to increase your food intake by 40
percent. Lastly, the can itself contains BPA, a chemical that has been linked,
in some studies, to cancer, heart disease, and infertility. The Food & Drug
Administration supports reducing exposure to BPA, though sees the need for more
studies to address 'uncertainties.'"
What to eat
instead: Choose an organic tomato sauce in a jar (BPA-free). Organic tomatoes
can contain up to 300 percent more lycopene, which boosts eye health. Mira's
favorite organic brands are Mom's, Amy's, and Eden.
5. Ice Cream
Why it's
bad for you: Most conventional ice creams contain artery-clogging trans fats,
and the "light" versions are usually filled with sucralose, a
sweetener that can be harmful.
Mira says:
"Often found in ice cream, the trans-fatty acids known as monoglycerides
and diglycerides can be labeled as emulsifiers, because they allow fats and
waters to mix smoothly, which extends the shelf life of processed foods. But
they are no different from the hydrogenated fats associated with heart disease,
stroke, obesity, and diabetes. As for sucralose, a Duke University study found
that this sweetener decreases "good" gut bacteria, which acts as part
of your immune system and can help fight heart disease, reduce cravings, and,
best of all, aid in the absorption of your micronutrients."
What to eat
instead: Look for sorbets and ice creams that are low in sugar and don't
include the "bad" ingredients or list them last. Mira's favorite
organic brand is Coconut Secret Madagascar Vanilla Raw Coconut Cream Non Dairy
Dessert.
6. "Light" or Baked Potato
Chips
Why they're
bad for you: Diet or "light" chips often contain the fat substitute
Olestra, which can prevent the absorption of nutrients, among other side
effects. Baked chips are objectionable for their vast lists of
nutrition-deficient ingredients.
Mira says:
"Olestra causes dramatic depletion of fat-soluble vitamins, robbing you of
vital micronutrients you might otherwise be eating. Furthermore, Olestra can
cause embarrassing intestinal disturbances, according to the Center for Science
in the Public Interest. Baked potato chips may not contain Olestra, but they do
contain some surprising ingredients—cornstarch, sugar, corn oil, soy lecithin,
and corn sugar (a.k.a. high fructose corn syrup)—many of which may be linked to
health concerns like obesity."
What to eat
instead: Indulge in organic, full-fat chips—you're more likely to feel
satisfied with just a few, and the ingredient list is refreshingly short. Mira
likes Honest Chips, which are made with just organic potatoes, coconut oil, and
sea salt.
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