7 Foods With An Unfair Reputation
It seems like food magazines and newspapers alike nowadays are populated with contrasting reports about whether or not our favourite foods are likely to kill us – nobody ever seems to agree. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 foods commonly given a bad reputation.
Potatoes
Commonly cited as an ‘enemy’ of weight-loss thanks to their starchy qualities and high carb content, potatoes are one food which certainly don’t deserve their harsh reputation. Much of this reputation boils down to how potatoes are prepared –French fries or potato chips are far likelier to score badly on the health front than baked, roasted or grilled potatoes. They are rich in potassium, fibre and vitamin C, while their skins are a source of antioxidants that may provide heart health and anti-cancer benefits.
Popcorn
Turns out everyone’s favourite cinema snack is more than just that! Particularly when eaten plain, popcorn is extremely high in antioxidants, fibre and iron – whilst being extremely low calorie. It is very high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant which helps protect body cells from free-radical damage, thus controlling the rate at which the body ages. There is however, a catch – although it boasts impressive health benefits when eaten plain, much like potatoes there are still harmful ways to eat it – so watch out for popcorn cooked with too much sugar or processed salt!
Coffee
And thirdly, in news that will delight all fellow coffee guzzlers out there, recent years has seen an increase in the publicity of the positive health benefits of coffee. Turns out, keeping us awake as we trundle through deadlines or battle a hangover is just one of its many benefits! Coffee has been credited as being one of the top sources of flavonoids, known to improve heart health and protect cells from the negative effects of ageing. It also has preventative effects against many ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease and depression.
White Rice
Often lumped in the same category as potatoes thanks to the stigma attached to white carbs, research has actually found that those who eat rice are actually less likely to be overweight. Despite its high glycaemic index while eaten alone (hardly anyone eats it this way), it is often a means to getting in healthy foods such as lean proteins and vegetables. Although many consumers are put off by the processing, fortification means white rice is enriched with all of the nutrients lost – so it actually contains more nutrients than brown rice.
Nuts
Another popular snack food, perhaps mostly associated with an afternoon down the pub, is nuts. Receiving a bad rep, perhaps for their high calorie and fat content, research actually shows that those with a diet higher in nuts and seeds actually lose more weight, and have higher quality diets. They also contribute to heart health thanks to their make-up of primarily unsaturated fats, as well as lower cholesterol.
Fried Foods
Perhaps one of the most surprising on this list, whilst it is true that frying food does tend to increase its calorific content, it isn’t necessarily unhealthy. So long as food is fried in healthy oils (olive oil, coconut oil for example), it can actually be highly beneficial. Many vitamins are fat soluble – such as A, D, E & K, as are cancer and heart disease preventing carotenoids, and therefore they need these healthy fats to be absorbed by the body.
Alcohol
Last but not least, perhaps the most shocking entry – alcohol. Whilst alcohol might be feared (for the right reasons), decades worth of research actually shows that moderate alcohol consumption ‘can actually reduce deaths from some causes, particularly heart disease’ according to the USDA. Further, some research suggests that alcohol in small amounts can actually improve liver function – it helps it cope with the processing of it.
See, removing the guilt from your evening glass of wine. You’re welcome! Are you looking for advice on your product? Or are you simply looking for more information? Call us on 01803 203387 or email at hamish@hra-global.com
