So useful, harmful.
Today, nutritionists compile a wide variety of lists and ratings of unhealthy foods, warning that pizza, fried meat, beer and much more delicious for humans is deadly. But fortunately, there are kind people among nutritionists who are ready to dispel these terrible myths.
1. Beef jerky
Unexpectedly useful: beef jerky.
This product has never been considered useful, but in fact, you just need to keep track of the amount of salt in it. It is basically a protein with little or no sugar, so it will provide an energy boost without raising your blood sugar.
2. Ketchup
Unexpectedly useful: ketchup.
Ketchup contains a huge amount of an antioxidant called lycopene. Research shows that this antioxidant may reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Red meat
Unexpectedly healthy: red meat.
Red meat has been blamed for almost everything from heart attacks to cancer. However, more recent studies have shown that there is not enough data to trace clear parallels between eating red meat and things like cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
There is also no conclusive evidence that eating red meat significantly increases blood cholesterol levels. That being said, red meat contains one of the most easily absorbed forms of vitamin D, which is good for bones, and zinc, which is better absorbed than vegetables.
4. Beer
Unexpectedly useful: beer.
It turns out that "beer in the morning is not only harmful, but also healthy." Joking aside, moderate beer consumption can help with things like digestion and even cancer prevention. Hops also have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, studies have shown that those who drink a bottle of beer a day are 25% less likely to have heart disease.
5. Crackers
Unexpectedly useful: crackers.
It is worth mentioning right away that there is nothing useful in cookies. But the harm of crackers is very exaggerated, because they practically do not use sugar, and they also take special flour for their preparation.
6. Pizza
Unexpectedly useful: pizza.
Pizza can be healthy (of course, it depends on the dough, filling, and the amount eaten). For example, a slice of veggie pizza made from vegetables with tomato sauce and cheese can provide the body with vitamins and calcium.
7. Wine
Unexpectedly useful: wine.
Undoubtedly, wine is very good for the heart … but we are talking about a glass of wine several times a week, not a bottle at night. Wine contains a substance called resveratrol (found in grape skins), which studies suggest may help protect people from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer's.
8. Egg yolks
Unexpectedly useful: egg yolks.
Like red meat, egg yolks are often blamed for excess cholesterol. But researchers are finding more and more evidence that patients hospitalized for heart attacks often have "normal" cholesterol levels. In addition, due to changes in the diet of most laying hens in commercial establishments, eggs are much lower in cholesterol today than they were even ten years ago. Plus, eggs are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them good for many diets.
9. Oysters
Unexpectedly useful: oysters.
The attitude of people towards oysters varies greatly: some adore them, while others compare these clams to snot. However, it is just the perfect source of zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral for all people, but it is especially good for men's sexual health.
10. Bacon
Unexpectedly good: bacon.
Aside from being full of protein, making bacon a good low-carb snack, bacon actually has less saturated fat than beef. It also contains a substance called choline, which helps keep the brain healthy and may even prevent mental illnesses such as Alzheimer's. The omega-3 fatty acids and choline in bacon can also help prevent heart disease.
11. Popcorn
Unexpectedly useful: popcorn.
Popcorn is actually really pretty darn good for humans. It's packed with fiber and antioxidants. The problem with popcorn is that people tend to mix a bunch of unhealthy foods into it, such as sugar, salt and butter.
12. Sushi
Unexpectedly useful: sushi.
Sushi is high in protein, and fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are not only vital for brain health, but also have anti-inflammatory effects. Although white rice is actually not very good for your health, sushi can be made with healthier brown rice as well as no salty sauces.
13. Chocolate
Unexpectedly useful: chocolate.
While dark chocolate is known to have the most beneficial effects on health, milk chocolate is also very good in this regard. It is a good source of antioxidants and magnesium, as well as flavonols, which can help lower blood pressure.
14. Cheese
Unexpectedly useful: cheese.
This is not about canned cheese or the plastic-like product used in most pizzas, but real cheese with milk and rennet. Some studies have even found that a 5x increase in the amount of dairy products consumed led to weight loss and a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
15. Oil
Unexpectedly useful: oil.
At the very least, the oil obtained from grass-fed cows rather than processed grains and corn is beneficial. It contains all kinds of substances that are very good for the body and brain, such as vitamin K2 and omega-3 fatty acids.
BONUS
Pork rinds
Unexpectedly useful: pork rinds.
30 grams contains 17 grams of protein, which is 9 times more than a pack of potato chips. Most of the fat is oleic acid, which is a “healthy” fat, and the other fat, stearic acid, does not raise cholesterol levels.
