When it comes to food, there is a popular saying: "What doesn't kill, gets fat." Do you agree? Before answering, it is important to know that some foods not only get very fat but can literally kill your body slowly.
Many items that we bring to our plate daily, especially processed foods, contain significant amounts of toxins and chemicals that over time damage our health. Usually these foods are among the most appetizing and practical to prepare. So how to eliminate them from the diet? According to nutritionist Priscila Azevedo, you don't have to be radical. Is all food allowed? except those restricted due to illness? since consumed in moderation ?, explains.
Below is a list of the eight most health-damaging foods. Beware of them and replace them whenever possible.
1. Microwave Popcorn
Virtually every component of microwave popcorn is bad for your health. Does it contain genetically modified corn kernels, processed salt and flavoring chemicals? a combination that makes it one of the most harmful foods to the body.
Studies show that some chemicals in the package vaporize and migrate to popcorn. These toxins build up in the body and can stay in the body for many years.
If you like popcorn, make them the conventional way? using a pan. And for flavor use real butter or other options.
2. Frozen semi-prepared meals
Semi-ready foods are full of preservatives and sodium, which can increase blood pressure. In addition, frozen foods are rich in saturated fat, which raises bad cholesterol levels and, consequently, promotes the development of cardiovascular disease, emphasizes Priscila Azevedo.
Therefore, despite the practicality, this type of food should not be part of your daily menu.
3. Foods containing nitrates and nitrites
Nitrites and nitrates are chemical compounds used as preservatives in many processed meats (also called sausages), such as bacon, salami, bologna and sausage. They are responsible for preserving the red color of the meat and inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria, increasing the shelf life of the food.
However, when in our body, nitrites and nitrates are converted to potentially carcinogenic substances.
4. Margarine
Most margarines are made from hydrogenated liquid vegetable oils, which are basically trans fat. "These fats are not recognized by the body, which does not metabolize them," explains nutritionist Priscila Azevedo. This causes fat to accumulate in the abdominal region and promotes increased levels of bad cholesterol and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, he adds.
Ideally it should be consumed in moderation, a knife edge without excess. An even healthier alternative is to replace margarine with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil.
5. Non-Organic Strawberries
According to experts, in some fruit crops the presence of more than 13 pesticides has been identified. Health problems generated by these toxins include hormonal imbalances that cause obesity, depression and reduced male fertility.
Whenever possible, the recommendation is to opt for organic fruits and vegetables.
6. White Chocolate
Pure cocoa is a very good food for health. Is it rich in flavonoids? Antioxidant substances that fight free radicals and prevent premature aging. But in the case of white chocolate, there are no such benefits. This is because it is made only from cocoa fat combined with sugar and vanilla essence.
7. Canned Tomatoes
The acidity of tomatoes causes the resin used to coat the can to increase the level of bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic that affects the body's hormonal balance. Studies show that this imbalance decreases sperm production, leading to infertility.
The solution is to give preference to tomatoes packed in glass jars.
8. Swordfish
Fish white meat is always on the list of the healthiest and most highly recommended foods to maintain health. However, researchers have found that consumption of some species may increase the risk of heart attack due to the high concentration of mercury such as swordfish.
Is the recommendation to replace it with other types of fish such as tuna and salmon? for example.
Care of food is known to be extremely important to health.The Greek thinker Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, already recommended: "Let your food be your medicine." From these tips, you have a starting point about some items that should be considered rare (if not eliminated) from your everyday menu.
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