Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think
Bulletproof Coffee
Some foods we think of as super-healthy? Not so much. Like "bulletproof" or "butter" coffee, which blends coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, a supplement often made from coconut oil. Fans say it keeps them full longer, helps their brains stay sharp, and boosts energy. Some research does back up these benefits. But the saturated fat in coconut oil and butter can also raise your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.
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Kombucha Tea
Kombucha is fermented black or green tea. It has a small amount of alcohol, less than most craft beers. Some studies suggest kombucha may lower inflammation and promote gut health. But its health benefits are still largely unclear. And some brands are high in sugar, so always check the label. Some experts say you can safely drink 12 ounces of kombucha a day. Pregnant women and young children, though, should stay away.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. Research shows it can raise your cholesterol. There’s also not much evidence for its rumored health benefits for things like weight loss and type 2 diabetes control. Try to limit saturated fat to less than 10% of your daily calories. Instead of coconut oil, try canola, olive, peanut, or sunflower oil, all of which have less saturated fat.
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Gluten-Free Products
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. You may think gluten-free eating is healthier. But that's mainly true if you have celiac disease (an immune response to gluten) or are gluten-sensitive. Many commercial gluten-free products are high in refined carbs, sugar, and salt. And you may miss out on the B vitamins and iron that are often added to wheat. A gluten-free diet is not meant to help you lose weight.
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Raw Milk
Some say this unprocessed milk prevents asthma, allergies, cancer, and heart disease. These claims are misleading. Also, raw milk carries germs like E. coli and salmonella that can make you sick or even kill you. Processed or pasteurized milk does have less vitamin C. But raw milk is not a major source of this vitamin. Overall, pasteurized milk has similar nutritional benefits to raw without the risks to your health
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Impossible and Beyond Burgers
These plant-based burgers fit into a vegan or vegetarian meal plan. But they're more of a splurge than a health food. The highly processed patties have about as many calories (240-260) and as much saturated fat (5-8 grams) as a lean hamburger. To boost nutrition, add veggies like spinach, lettuce, tomato, and onions, plus avocado or hummus for protein and fiber.
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Smoothies
Some store-bought smoothies have lots of added sugar, little to no fresh fruit or veggies, and as many as 910 calories in a large serving. Skip them and blend your own. Focus on whole foods -- kale or baby spinach for a veggie boost, low-fat milk or yogurt for protein, and a little fresh or frozen fruit for fiber and sweetness. And watch your serving size. Calories go down quickly when you drink them.
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Granola
Granola may seem healthy because it's made with high-fiber oats. But many brands contain coconut oil and loads of added sugar. Make your own with rolled oats, slivered almonds, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. Mix them with a little canola oil and maple syrup. Spread onto a baking sheet and pop into a 250-degree oven for 75 minutes. Let it cool, and store in an airtight container.
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Processed Fat-Free Foods
Some fat-free foods, like plain yogurt and skim milk, are healthier. But often, fat-free products contain added sugar or corn syrup. Many also have chemical additives to make up for the missing fat. You need fat in your diet, for energy and to help you absorb vitamins. Avoid saturated and trans fats. But don't fear the healthy kind from nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish like salmon and sardines.
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Agave Sweeteners
These natural sweeteners come from the agave plant. They have a tad more nutrients, like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, than table sugar. But they’re no healthier. Agave nectar or syrup has just as many carbs and calories as sugar, and 70%-90% more fructose. As with other added sugars, limit how much you take in. One teaspoon of agave sweetener equals a serving.
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Energy Bars
Energy bars are a quick snack with a healthy reputation. But many are loaded with sugar, saturated fat, and processed add-ins. Look for bars with a short list of ingredients -- things like nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and dark chocolate. And remember, they're snacks, not meal substitutes. Aim for less than 300 calories per bar
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Sources Medically Reviewed on 09/22/2020 Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on September 22, 2020
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SOURCES:
Jerlyn Jones, registered dietitian nutritionist; spokesperson, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Journal of Food Science: “Understanding Kombucha Tea Fermentation: A Review.”
Cleveland Clinic: “What Are Kombucha’s Health Benefits (and How Much Can You Safely Drink)?” “7 Supposedly ‘Healthy’ Foods That Can Ruin Your Diet.”
Mayo Clinic: "Is a gluten-free diet healthy for someone who doesn't have celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity?"
Impossible Foods: “What Are the Nutrition Facts?”
Consumer Reports: “Is Granola Good for You?” “Best Energy Bars: Crunchy, Chewy, Tasty … and Healthy, Too?”
American Heart Association: “Tracking Down Added Sugars on Nutrition Labels Infographic,” “Healthy Cooking Oils,” “Saturated Fat.”
Food Science & Nutrition: “Phytochemical profiles and classification of Agave syrups using 1H‐NMR and chemometrics.”
Food & Nutrition: “Tradition Turned Trendy: Exploring the Origins of Butter Beverages.”
Diabetes: “Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Improve Cognitive Function in Intensively Treated Type 1 Diabetic Patients and Support In Vitro Synaptic Transmission During Acute Hypoglycemia.”
PLoS One: “Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism.”
Nutrients: “Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals.”
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Some Myths about Nutrition & Physical Activity.”
Celiac Disease Foundation: “What is Gluten?” “What is Celiac Disease?”
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “The Realities of Raw Milk.”
CDC: “Raw Milk Questions and Answers.”
Beyond Meat: "Beyond Burger."
Harvard Medical School: "Impossible and Beyond: How healthy are these meatless burgers?"
ChooseMyPlate.gov: “TIPS: Focus on Whole Fruits,” “Healthy eating for vegetarians.”
Center for Science in the Public Interest: “Jamba Juice Facing Lawsuit Over Deceptively Marketed ‘Whole Fruit and Vegetable’ Smoothies.”
Jamba: "Peanut butter moo'd."
National Institutes of Health: “The Skinny on Fat: The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown.”
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on September 22, 2020
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
