You may think you are eating healthy food, but your body may not benefit from that. On the other hand, these “healthy” foods may be sabotaging your well-being, says US-based cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj.
Dr Bhojraj recently took to Instagram to reveal five foods that you may think are doing good for you but are actually bad for your heart, metabolism, and brain.
These everyday items trigger inflammation, confuse your insulin, and cause severe bloating – all of which lead to various diseases and ailments.
Flavoured yogurts
Flavored yogurts are marketed as healthy, protein-loaded foods, but are packed with added sugar, which causes weight gain and obesity, and ultimately leads to an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Most of these yogurts are loaded with artificial sweeteners, colours, and preservatives, which cause inflammation in your body and increase cravings for more sweets. Dr Bhojraj advises you to opt for homemade plain yogurt and add your own natural sweeteners like seasonal fruits.
Protein bars
Protein bars are anything but protein, and are super unhealthy as they are high in added sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. According to Dr Bhojraj, protein bars are just candy bars, which only lead to an increase in sugar cravings and weight gain, apart from causing digestive issues and heart problems.
Always make sure to read the label to know the ingredients, or make your own protein bars at home.
Vegetable chips
Supermarkets are full of “healthy” vegetable chips that are low in calories. However, the truth is they are highly processed and often high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories – with little or no nutritional value to replace whole vegetables.
They are not a healthy substitute for fresh vegetables and should be treated as a discretionary food to be eaten in moderation. On the other hand, you can make your own chips at home by dehydrating seasonal veggies and baking or air-frying them.
Zero sugar products
According to Dr Bhojraj, artificial sweeteners only trick your brain and gut into thinking sugar is coming – thereby confusing your insulin response and making you crave more. “Now, if I want something sweet, I go for real fruit, dates, or a touch of raw honey-your body knows what to do with those,” he said.
Artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar but can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, while also causing digestive issues and damaging your oral health.
Seed oils
Seed oils, when consumed in excess, can lead to inflammation, which causes high cholesterol, blocked arteries, and even weight gain in the long run. “Once they are refined and heated, they oxidize and cause invisible inflammation inside your arteries and cells,” said Dr Bhojraj.
“I swapped them out years ago for olive oil, avocado oil, beef tallow, and grass-fed ghee,” he added.