3 Popular “Good” Foods that are Really Unhealthy

Popular healthy food choices that consumers are easily fooled by. Because of marketing, we’ve been brainwashed to believe there are certain foods that are “good” for us—but they’re not. There may be an ingredient in the title that’s good. But don’t be tricked by the other words on the label that may actually be unhealthy.

1) Gluten-Free Junk Food

According to 2013 survey, about a third of people in the US are actively trying to avoid gluten. Ironically, only a teeny, tiny percentage (1-3%) has Celiac, a debilitating disease when the person is exposed to gluten. But, even if you are non-Celiac, avoiding gluten can be a good thing. Gluten and wheat ingestion have been linked to gut inflammation as well as increased risk for autoimmune disorders. Brain fog and fatigue are also connected to gluten sensitivity.
Gluten free can be beneficial, as long as it’s not replaced with unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, corn syrup, and unnatural preservatives. For example, a generic “gluten-free” granola bar may contain tapioca starch, processed sugar, food dye, and “flavoring.” Junk food is bad, whether it’s gluten-free or not.

2) Popcorn (Microwavable or Flavored From a Bag)

The actual bag from many microwavable popcorn products is lined with a toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA.) Unhealthy ingredients often listed on the poppable packages are hydrogenated oils, natural butter “flavor”, trans fats, and GMOs.
Already-popped popcorn purchased in a bag at your market may also have some of those bad words listed. Also, keep in mind, if it doesn’t say organic, it can be bad for your health. Conventionally grown corn is genetically engineered and generally has pesticide or other toxic residues on it. For those with blood sugar issues beware of Malodextrin—a highly processed starch (an engineered carbohydrate.)
Dry popcorn kernels heated in a pot on the stove using coconut oil is excellent. You can also dry air-pop and then add a bit of room-temperature extra-virgin olive oil. Both are good topped with a dash of sea salt.

3) Yogurt (Low-fat or Nonfat)

Many yogurts at the store are bad for you. The low-fat and non-fat versions remove the natural “dairy” fat. They’re often replaced with modified cornstarch or fructose to add to taste. The majority of calories actually come from sugar. Because these yogurts are pasteurized after fermentation, they either contain little or no active cultures. And forget the squeezy yogurts out of the tube; they are the worst.
Whole yogurt that contains live cultures, probiotics, is extremely good for your health. If the milk source is from grass-fed cows, even better. Greek yogurt, which is strained three times instead of two, can be preferred. Although it has more fat content, it has less sugar and more protein. Buy organic.
There are a variety of other favorite food items that purport to be good but miss the mark. Remember to keep your self-informed and read labels. Keeping your and your family’s good health in mind is a constant practice.