Not all foods that have been termed undesirable for health are actually so. Read on to know five foods that are otherwise good for one’s physical wellbeing.
While most ‘bad foods’ might have a poor reputation for running high on cholesterol and fats, a closer look at their nutritional make-up might reveal their latent health benefits too. Here is a list of five such foods.
Popcorn
Popcorns and entertainment have been inseparable since ages, but in the recent years more and more health enthusiasts have decided to call it quits with this popular snack simply to avoid over-indulgence on unhealthy trans fats and sodium. But, it is equally true that not all popcorns are unhealthy.
The findings of a 2012 research presented at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting reveal that popcorns contain more healthful antioxidant substances called ‘polyphenols’ than fruits and vegetables. Surprised? Well, whether or not the popcorns are healthy will depend on the way you prepare them. If you are careful enough not to add too much butter or salt when you make them and stay away from ready-to-make microwave popcorns, these could actually be one of the healthiest snacks ever.
Cipullo says, “If you buy your own kernels or get your own air popper, you can have a healthy snack.” Try topping popcorn with almonds, which promote fullness.
Chocolate
When was the last time you had chocolates for health? Never? Then we suggest it’s time you started doing so right away. Numerous studies have shown that dark chocolate contains plentiful antioxidants and also tend to be associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. A 2012 research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, in fact, advocates the consumption of this delightful devil. Although chocolate consumption might never help you lose weight, it does mean that you shouldn’t feel guilty about small indulgences.
Monica Bearden, a registered dietitian and author of Chocolate, encourages eating about 20 grams of this healthy passion a day. “It’s so important to eat those foods that you enjoy so you don’t feel deprived. Just don’t overdo it,” Bearden says.
Pasta
Sinfully delicious pastas can actually be great when in your tummy. Just make sure that you eat the ones made from whole grains. Although the refined grains might have a larger shelf life, they are also ripped off of their nutrients like vitamins and fiber in the process.
Jessica Shapiro, a registered dietitian at Montefiore Medical Center in New York believes, “You’re going to be getting the B vitamins and the fiber from the whole grains.”
Having whole grains will also help you meet the meet dietary guidelines that which recommend that at least half of the grains you eat each day are whole.
Alcohol
This one happens to have the worst reputation for being detrimental to your heart and liver health, contributing to depression, and being the root cause for several cancers. But bet you didn’t know that several alcohols, like red wines, contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that could aid you in your fight against several fatal diseases including cancer and heart diseases. Not just that, other types of alcohols such as beer, when consumed in moderation, are also great for your health since they rate high on HDH or good cholesterol.
Experts opine that women can have as much as one drink a day and men should not exceed two. It is therefore right to conclude that it is not what you drink but how much of it that decides the impact of alcohol on your health. In fact, isn’t it ditto with every other thing in life?
Eggs
For fear of unhealthy cholesterol levels in your body, some doctors would advise you against eating eggs, especially the yellow part. But the fact remains that eggs are a leading source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron and are also one of the richest sources of proteins. As per the findings of a 2011 study conducted at the University of Alberta, antioxidant properties found in eggs may help prevent cardiovascular disease and even some cancers.
Laura Cipullo, a New York-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, has been good-mouthing the health benefits of eggs for a long time. “If you’re generally healthy, and don’t have high cholesterol, there’s no need to only eat egg-whites–or to avoid eggs altogether. My suggestion is always to have one whole egg and then add an egg white,” Cipullo says. That way you’re getting the nutrient-rich yolk but not overdoing the cholesterol. So, there is no reason you should stay away from this yummy breakfast essential anymore.