The Daily Mail reported that Sanjay Bhojraj, a well-known cardiologist in California, recently revealed five foods that may appear healthy on the surface, but may actually be harmful to the body. He pointed out that some products advertised as "sugar-reduced" and "low-fat" contain a large number of artificial additives, and these ingredients are related to various problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and even cancer. The following are five foods he "will never eat":
5 "pseudo-healthy" foods1. Vegetable seed oil
Bergeridge said that refined rapeseed, soybean, corn or canola oil, etc., are easily oxidized when heated, causing inflammation of arteries and cells. Long-term intake of these oils may cause narrowing of arteries, damage to blood vessel walls, and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and aneurysm. He said on Instagram that he has switched to healthier olive oil, avocado oil, butter, etc.
{99 9}There are different opinions about seed oil. The American Heart Association and some researchers point out that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat in seed oil can effectively reduce low-density cholesterol (LDL, commonly known as bad cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Experts believe that the main Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oil will not significantly increase inflammation. However, some studies have pointed out that if the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is too high, it may promote chronic inflammation and cause various chronic diseases.
2. Sugar-reduced and sugar-free foods and beveragesThere are many "diet" or "zero-calorie" foods on the market. Bergerigi reminds that although these products have fewer sucrose calories, they use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose, which may interfere with insulin response and increase sugar cravings. Long-term intake may lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and even increased risk of cardiovascular disease. He recommends using natural sweeteners like fruit or honey.
A 2023 study by "Nature Medicine" pointed out that the artificial sweetener erythritol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Another study published in the British Medical Journal (The BMJ) in 2022 found that people who consume artificial sweeteners have a 9% increased overall risk of heart disease and an 18% increased risk of stroke.
3. Flavored yogurtBergerigi pointed out that many flavored yogurts have healthy slogans, but actually have quite high sugar content. A 150-gram serving (about five ounces) of flavored yogurt may contain 15 to 25 grams of sugar. Some low-fat yogurts even have added sugar. By comparison, half a cup of vanilla ice cream contains about 14 to 17 grams of sugar.
In addition, common "emulsifier" additives in yogurt, such as xanthan gum and soy lecithin, have been shown in recent years to destroy intestinal bacteria, leading to flatulence, diarrhea, and even cancer risks.
4. Protein barsBergeridge calls them "candy disguised as health food." He pointed out that many protein bars are high in sugar and made with seed oil and syrup, which can easily cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. He suggests switching to nuts or hard-boiled eggs as natural snacks.
A 2019 survey by the Irish Food Safety Organization found that nearly 40% of high-protein bars sold in the country contain chocolate as the main ingredient, and many products contain high amounts of saturated fat, salt and sugar. The 2024 Environmental Working Group (EWG) report also warned that most protein bars sold in the United States are ultra-processed foods and contain too much added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
5. Vegetable crispsMany vegetable crisps that are advertised as "healthy" are "also fried in refined seed oil, just like ordinary potato chips." Bergeridge suggested that you can bake sweet potato slices or roasted chickpeas at home to enjoy the taste and be more nutritious.