Even though everyone has to eat, it can often be somewhat of a chore. It seems like a lot of dietitians and nutritionists are quick to tell us what we can and can’t eat, but that list always seems to change up. For one, did you know that eating too much broccoli is actually bad for you? That’s what Healthline reports. But, since we’ve always been told to eat our vegetables, who would have thought that a high amount could cause hypothyroidism? Brussels sprouts and kale, while also delicious, fit under this category as well.
It seems like nothing is safe. We try hard to look out for our health, but then we learn that fruit juice is suddenly linked to cancer. It’s like we can’t win.
The best way to stay healthy is to remember that most things are fine in moderation. It’s not healthy to eat fifteen oranges for breakfast every morning, even though one would be a fine choice. In other words, foods we’ve been told to avoid may actually not be as bad as we once thought. That means that, yes — reaching for a bagel for breakfast every once in a while isn’t the worst thing you can do to your health, like news sources reported in the early 2000s.
Here are some other foods you should reconsider adding back into your diet.
1. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, we’ve got the best news.
After hundreds of scientific studies, the Mars company has proven cocoa can be quite good for you. And if this doesn’t jazz up your day, I don’t know what else will! Dark chocolate is… healthy!
According to Vox, which acknowledges food companies like Nestlé, Mars, Barry Callebaut, and Hershey’s have poured millions over the past three decades to support this discovery.
So (in moderation of course,) our favorite treat has health benefits that can fight disease, help your heart, and boost mood and cognitive performance.
Honestly, catch us swooning and snacking on dark chocolate.
2. Peanuts
You might have had a jar of peanuts as a work snack, up until you looked at the calories and serving size.
Sure, they may be caloric. But according to Everyday Health, they may be a big key to living longer. Nuts like peanuts include fiber and are excellent for keeping your heart in good shape. And the good news is that they’re a pretty affordable nut to buy, making them a welcome addition to your grocery list.
3. Olive Oil
When it comes to oils, olive oil is usually seen as one of the best. But, is it healthy?
Yes, olive oil is a fat. But, it’s a healthy fat that’s not associated with gaining weight. It also contains antioxidants, along with vitamins E and K. It’s also been linked with reducing strokes, which means that it may be the preferable oil in your house to cook with if you want to avoid a tragedy.
4. Caffeine
Most of us can’t get to work without a cup of coffee in the morning. But, isn’t caffeine a drug?
The answer is yes. But on the list of drugs, the danger of caffeine is relatively low. Hopkins Medicine credits coffee for helping safeguard against Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. And in regards to general caffeine, Harvard Health believes that it can boost your performance at the gym and fight fatigue in a healthy way.
5. Bread
A bowl full of bread rolls is such a yummy addition to any meal out. But why does it have such a bad reputation?
The truth is, bread isn’t the best thing for your diet. But in moderation, it’s not the villain of the food world that people would have you believe. Certain breads are healthier than others. Whole wheat and whole grain bread offer more vitamins and an amount of fiber that you can feel good about.
6. Salt
Salt is an important ingredient in cooking. But, it often gets negative buzz when talking about health.
Some people have been advised to keep a salt-free or minimal salt diet. First thing’s first — we need salt in our diet. It’s just that sometimes, people take it too far. Salt helps your thyroid, and even though you might not think this is true, it helps us stay hydrated. And as far as keeping the body working at its best, proper hydration is a must.
7. Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk comes in a few different varieties, but there’s a pretty good chance you were raised on the full-fat stuff.
So, how much damage was done? An occasional glass is actually pretty good for you. It’s one of the best sources of calcium you can get and, according to LiveScience, milk also contains a lot of potassium and vitamin D. The fact that kids like it is also a big plus, especially if you’re currently housing a picky eater.
8. Red Meat
As healthy as chicken may be, chicken isn’t steak.
Red meat gets a ton of criticism, but it’s not the worst thing for you. Should you eat it every day? Probably not. But would an occasional steak be the end of the world? Not at all, unless you’ve got a history of heart disease. (If so, you should listen to what your doctor recommends.) Red meat contains a ton of protein, zinc, and the B vitamins that you need to keep moving.
9. Rice
Rice goes with so many meals. But, it’s also known as being a big source of unwanted carbs.
Turns out, the biggest problem with rice is often the portioning. Healthline reports that even though white rice doesn’t have the same nutrients as brown rice, it doesn’t mean it’s not the healthier option all the time. In the United States, our white rice is often enriched with a bunch of vitamins and minerals that make it more than just a side of carbohydrates.
10. Fish
It’s known as a healthy protein, but what about all that mercury?
In fact, pregnant women are told to take caution with canned tuna based on its mercury count. But really, most fish does way more good than harm. Fish doesn’t have the same amount of saturated fat that other meats have, and in general, it’s a good choice. In fact, back in 2014, Harvard Health reported that those who ate fish were known to lessen their chance of having a heart attack.
11. Artificial Sweeteners
Anything with “artificial” in the title can’t be good, right?
For years, there was a big debate that they increased the risk of cancer. But, health officials are now saying that there’s also a lot of good they could do. For one, they’re a better choice for diabetics, according to WebMD. They’re also beneficial for people who are trying to cut sugar for weight loss. So, it’s doubtful that someone who was just diagnosed with cancer got it because they ate a packet of Sweet ‘N Low.
12. Cheese
Rejoice! Cheese is actually not that bad for you.
In fact, Medical News Today reports that cheese provides a lot of calcium and helps regulate our blood pressure. It also helps with blood clotting, which means it’ll help us recover from injuries more quickly. The problem is, you can’t eat too much of it in one sitting — and that’s often why it has such a bad reputation.
13. Avocados
Sure, they have a weird reputation with millennials — but, don’t they contain a lot of fat?
They do, but luckily, that fat is healthy. In fact, avocados are surprisingly great for you, which is how they earned their spot on plenty of superfood lists. They’re chock full of vitamin K, folate, and potassium. They also don’t contain sodium or cholesterol, so they’re fantastic for most diets.
14. Milk Chocolate
You’ve probably heard that dark chocolate is a healthier option — but milk chocolate is way more popular to snack on.
Milk chocolate has been studied, and it seems like it’s almost just as healthy. People who incorporated milk chocolate into their diets reportedly had reported fewer instances of heart disease. But again, remember — everything in moderation. This doesn’t give you permission to down five Snickers bars during lunch today.
15. Beef Jerky
Since it’s made of beef, how good of a snack could this really be?
Next time you’re on a road trip, you may actually want to pick up a few bags of it. Compared to other snack foods, it’s high in protein, which means that it’ll keep you satisfied a lot longer than other snacks. Men’s Health writes that it also doesn’t raise your insulin, meaning it might help you lose weight if it’s incorporated into a regular diet. Nutrition aside, it’s also pretty fun to eat.
16. Alcohol
There are plenty of reasons to limit alcohol. But, is it all bad?
WebMD says it’s all about moderation. That means one drink per day for a woman. Drinking to that capacity has been shown to limit the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 25% to 40%, which is pretty massive. Supposedly, people who drink are also more likely to exercise, which is a little strange, but makes sense if you want to balance out your diet and exercise.
17. Sour Cream
It’s a heavy topper for a baked potato, so it’s hard to imagine sour cream as being “healthy.”
While it’s a fatty food, it also has nutritional benefits you may not have known about. Two tablespoons are reportedly just 52 calories, and there’s no trans fat. So, for a dairy product, things could be a lot worse. It’s not a food you should eat by the jar, but a little won’t make a big difference to your diet plan.
18. Potatoes
It’s hard to avoid potatoes, since they’re everywhere. And every form of them tastes so good.
Sure, they may be high in carbs. But, they’re also high in good stuff like vitamin K. Healthline writes that the type of potato also makes a difference. Red potatoes are lower in both carbs and calories than Russet. And as expected, frying them will make them worse for you than boiling or baking. A baked potato could be a very smart side for dinner tonight, especially if you keep an eye on the toppings.
