Do you usually read the food stickers In the supermarket before you buy it? In addition to checking the amount of calories contained in products, for example, it is necessary to pay attention to other aspects. The shelves are full of seemingly healthy items that can actually mess with your diet and even harm your health.
It’s no news that natural and simple foods are always the best option. Dr. explains. Paula Pires, an endocrinologist and metabolic pathologist from the University of the South Pacific (University of São Paulo).
However, it is undeniable that some industrial products offer greater practicality and, at times, promise things that in many cases they cannot fulfill. To avoid pitfalls, Dr. Paula has separated 12 common pranks that deserve attention. paying off:
Watch out for food labels
1 – light products
They provide less fat than the originals, however, and can be just as or more dangerous. “To maintain the consistency and flavor of the original version, they need to add a lot of sugar or aspartame. Examine the additives carefully,” reveals the doctor.
2- Multi-grain food
According to the doctor. Paula, a multigrain product is not necessarily 100% whole grain. It contains more than one type of grain, one of which may be enriched flour [consultar item 10] with iron and folic acid,” he says.
3- A statement that the manufactured product is natural
“It doesn’t mean it’s similar to something natural, but at some point, the manufacturer worked with a natural source, like apple or rice,” the endocrinologist explains.
4 – Organic
“It doesn’t say much about it being a healthy product,” he says. “For example, organic sugar is still sugar (it can harm the pancreas). And organic yogurt can be full of added sugars.”
5- No added sugar
“Some products are naturally high in sugar,” he comments. “The fact that they haven’t added sugar doesn’t mean they are healthy and unhealthy alternatives to sugar. They may have been added as well.”
6 – Low calories
Low calorie for whom? this is the question. Dr. says. Paula.
7 – Low fat
Take away from one side, and add it from the other. “The fat has been reduced at the cost of adding more sugar,” he says. “Usually, when we remove one ingredient, we replace it with another that can be worse.”
8 – Low Carbohydrate Content
Low-carb dietslow carb) with improved health. However, processed foods labeled low in carbohydrates are still mostly Fast foodprocessed, similar to low-fat processed foods,” says the doctor.
9- Products made from whole grains
Another piece of information that does not mean much. “Make sure whole grains are among the first three ingredients; if not, the amount is minimal,” the doctor warns.
10- fortified or fertilized
Dr. explains. Paula.
11- Gluten Free
“Gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. The product simply doesn’t contain wheat, rye, or barley. Many gluten-free foods are highly processed and loaded with unhealthy fats. What’s the best gluten-free food?” There isn’t even a label: vegetables, Rice, beans, fruits, quinoa…”, he reveals.
12- Fruit flavor
The endocrinologist warns that “many processed foods have a name that indicates a natural flavor, such as strawberry yogurt. However, the product may not even contain fruit—just chemicals that taste like fruit.”
Final Recommendation
“Spend a minute looking at the ingredient list. And when you make an exception and eat things that aren’t healthy (which they can and should do, sometimes, yes), do so with good conscience and common sense and what’s really worth it! The goal is always to reduce This use, preferring simple, natural foods, those that come straight from the fair and don’t even have a label to read.” Paula.
source: Dr. Paula Pires, an endocrinologist and metabolic pathologist from the University of the South Pacific (University of São Paulo).
