5 foods that harm your health and you did not know about them

In an increasingly connected world, the debate about Healthy food It expands according to how far social networks can reach: whether false facts or theories that do not always match the reality of the facts.

Not surprisingly, it is not always easy to identify which foods are truly beneficial. Often times, seemingly harmless choices hide secrets that are harmful to your health. This is the issue we are addressing here when we talk about Ultra-processed foods.

This group is linked to a series of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and is considered one of the biggest villains of the modern era.

Therefore, in this article, discover five foods that you may not know but are harmful to your health:

• Bread: Not all bread is created equal: Sliced ​​bread, a staple in many homes, isn't always as simple as it seems. Many slices of bread contain emulsifiers and colorings, making them ultra-processed. When purchasing bread, choose options made with only basic ingredients, such as wheat, water, salt and yeast, thus avoiding harmful additives.

• Cereal bars: Not always a healthy choice: Cereal bars, often promoted as healthy snacks, can be a real trap. Many of them contain a long list of ingredients, including preservatives and artificial sweeteners. When choosing cereal bars, choose those with fewer ingredients and avoid those that are high in sugar and additives.

• Ready-made salads: quick but not without preservatives: Pre-made salads may seem like a healthy choice, but many of them hide unhealthy secrets. These salads are often accompanied by sauces that are high in sugar, additives and flavorings. The best option is to prepare your own salad at home using fresh ingredients and natural dressings.

• Flavored yogurt: Sweetness can mask risks: Flavored yogurt can be very deceiving. They often contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners to improve the taste. Choose natural yogurt and add fresh fruit for a naturally sweet twist. This way, you can avoid additives and control the amount of sugar in your diet.

• Packaged fruit juice: More sugar than you think: Bottled fruit juices are often seen as a healthy alternative to soft drinks. However, they often contain large amounts of sugar, colorings and flavourings. Choose fresh juices, or better yet, eat whole fruits to get all the nutritional benefits without any harmful additives.

How to recognize and avoid ultra-processed foods

Keywords that indicate harmful additives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, invert sugar, maltodextrin, fructose, and high fructose corn syrup are the most direct way to avoid these types of foods. So, if a product contains ingredients that you would never use in your own kitchen, it is likely highly processed.

Recent research on healthy eating confirms that choosing less processed foods is the key to a healthier diet. So, choose cereals with fewer ingredients, natural yoghurts, simple breads and prepare your own fresh salads. By making conscious eating decisions, you protect your long-term health and enjoy a more nutritious and balanced diet.