There are countless foods out there that we’re constantly told to avoid. Often rightfully so. However, some of these “bad” foods are actually very healthy in moderation and have a number of nutritional benefits. You won’t find any processed junk or “food-like substances” here. Only whole, natural foods that are filled with goodness.
From go-to snacks like bananas to tasty treats such as peanut butter, we’ve put together a list of five healthy foods that you may be making the mistake of avoiding. These foods will help stabilize your blood-sugar levels, fight heart disease and provide you with a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals that you need on a daily basis.
Deli Meats
Natural cold cuts of meat that are free from high levels of fat and sodium provide considerable amounts of protein, which is good for building muscle mass and maintaining your immune system. Deli meats also contain zinc, iron and vitamin B-12.
That said, these tasty cuts of beef and turkey are only good in moderation. Ensure that what you’re picking up doesn’t contain added salt, antibiotics and synthetic hormones. These ingredients are often included in cheaper, lower quality cuts. This is why most people tend to avoid these foods.
Bananas
Compared to other fruits, bananas are pretty high in carbohydrates and calories, hence their bad rep. However, bananas also happen to be a superfood packed with folic acid, fiber, vitamins and potassium.
The recommended amount is half a banana, which is equivalent to one serving. You can include cut up bananas in your fruit salad or simply have half a banana as a snack to get all the goodness you need.
Peanut Butter
People tend to avoid peanut butter due to the high levels of fat. What you may not know is that these fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, which are great for your health. Peanut butter also contains a healthy dose of vitamin E, magnesium, folic acid, antioxidants and more.
Just be sure to stay away from sugary artificial brands that pack their peanut butter with corn syrup and sodium. Natural peanut butter contains nothing more than ground peanuts and is widely available.
Cheese
Just like peanut butter, cheese is packed with a number of health benefits – assuming you stick to the natural stuff. As explained in the book The Big Fat Surprise, cheese is filled with a host of nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, protein, Vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc. Many natural cheeses are also delicious additions to a variety of meals.
Canned Tuna
Not only is canned tuna affordable, but it is also filled with proteins, potassium, zinc, iodine and Vitamin B. If you prefer oil in your tuna, you’ll also benefit from the added omega-3 fatty acids. Stick to white tuna that is free from mercury, as this is where the health risk comes in.
Other noteworthy “bad foods” include bread, cow’s milk, beer, and egg yolks. It’s all about choosing the right type of these foods and staying away from those that are artificially modified.