Dangerously Unhealthy Foods
Research has linked certain foods to a higher risk of developing diseases and also cause poor health in general, especially combined with smoking, excess alcohol use, being overweight and lack of physical activity.
Refined sugars:
- Sugar is broken down in the gut into glucose and fructose. Large amounts of fructose gets turned into fat in the liver, causing high cholesterol and fatty liver disease.
- Too much sugar causes resistance to the hormone insulin, which contributes towards many diseases.
- Soft drinks and energy drinks contain sugar with no nutritional benefits. Increases the possibility of obesity or developing diabetes.
- Rather eat high quality carbohydrates, such as fresh fruit. The fibre in fruit helps to slow the absorption of glucose.
- Pair fruit with protein rich food such as nuts, cheese or yogurt to boost insulin levels.
Refined flour:
- Refined white flour spikes insulin levels without nutritional value.
- The body converts refined carbohydrates to glucose, risking becoming insulin resistant.
- Whole grains are richer in fiber and results in a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
Salt preserved foods (e.g. pickled vegetables, salted fish and cured meats):
- Can damage the stomach lining and cause inflammation.
Processed meat:
- High intake of red- and processed meats may pose a higher risk of developing cancer.
- High-heat cooking methods such as grilling and barbecuing, can convert some of the proteins into potential carcinogens, called heterocyclic amines (HCA’s).
- Nitrates and nitrites (chemicals used in processed- and cured meats) can lead to the production of nitrosamines in the body, which can promote cancer.
- Preservatives and additives in processed foods can accumulate in the body, forming toxins.
Hydrogenated oils (trans-fats):
- Chemical structure has been altered to hide odour, increase shelf life and improve taste.
- Potato chips are usually fried in hydrogenated vegetable oil – ending up abundant in trans-fats, which increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease.
- Highly processed packaged snacks and baked goods usually are not only high in sugar and refined flour, but also high in trans-fats.
Source: http://healthinsight.co.za
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