5 Of The Unhealthiest Foods In The World!

We are what we eat, so eating junk food and processed food are not the best choices. But all processed foods are not made the same. Some are worse than others and there are a select few that are the worst of the worst. These deserve a special mention as to why we shouldn’t be eating them.

Here is the list of 5 horrible food choices from Food Matters:

1. Colored Candies & Jellies - If ‘nutrition’ is used to define food that gives our bodies nutrients, then candies may very well belong to a category of ‘anti-nutrition’.... They cause our bodies harm rather than providing any nutrients.

Despite being a concentrated source of processed sugar that can spike blood sugar levels, cause mood swings and drive weight gain, these treats are also filled with artificial colors and flavors. Many of these chemical additives are known to cause behavioral issues and food sensitivities.

Furthermore, jellies often contain gelatin. Unless the product is organic, this gelatin is likely to come from questionable livestock sources.

SWAP WITH: For a healthier option at a special occasion, opt for organic candies and jellies, as organic certification bodies tend to more tightly regulate additive use. Dried fruit with some bright edible flowers can also make a beautiful snack display filled with naturally sweet goodies!

2. Cola (Including The Diet Versions!) - Of all the sodas, cola is probably the worst health offenders. It’s got it all; sugar, harmful additives and good kick of caffeine too, just to top it off!

Whilst you might be saving yourself some tooth decay with the diet versions, these are filled with artificial sweeteners, which have been linked with brain and kidney issues, (that far outweighs any potential dental benefits!).

SWAP WITH: For very special occasions, mix a little organic sarsaparilla cordial with filtered mineral water.

3. Salami and Other Fatty Deli Meats - These charcuterie goods have been delighting human tastebuds for centuries. Whilst our predecessors enjoyed them in much healthier moderation, overconsumption of these meats in the modern world is not good for our health.

Pumped full of salt, sodium nitrates and nitrites, these fatty meats may taste delicious but are brimming with compounds that can affect our blood pressure, cardiovascular system and kidneys. Deli meats also contain inflammatory compounds which have been linked with chronic disease and even cancer!

SWAP WITH: Organic pastrami or wild-caught smoked salmon.

4. Sugary Cereal - It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It kickstarts our metabolism and provides our body with the fuel and nutrients we need to sustain our focus, mood and energy through to lunch time.

Sugary cereals flood our bodies with an instant rush of energy that spikes our blood sugar levels (making us feel good temporarily) then creates a crash (causing us to feel tired and foggy). Some of these products also contain Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHA), which are suspected carcinogens that are banned in many countries.

SWAP WITH: Bircher muesli, oatmeal, steel cut oats, sourdough grainy bread, brown rice porridge or buckwheat pancakes… All delicious and can be naturally sweetened, without the blood sugar fluctuations or added nasties!

5. Cheetos - Deceptively light and fluffy, it’s easy to chow through a bunch of Cheetos without realising how many much you’ve eaten! The ‘crunch’ is super moreish and the salty, cheesy combo has been developed to hook our tastebuds!

Aside from the simple carbohydrate, fat and salt content, cheetos also contain a couple of additives which put our health at risk. Cheetos contain yellow (6) color, which has been banned in several European countries for its tumor risk in laboratory studies. This cheesy snack is also full of MSG, which may cause depression, eye damage, headaches and appetite disruption.

SWAP WITH: Organic corn chips dusted with a little brazil nut cheese… Super satisfying and oh-so tasty!

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