Are health foods really healthy?

When you’re shopping for health foods, it’s easy to be taken in by “low-fat” and other misleading labels.

Here are some common health foods that may not be as healthy as you think.

Food: Muesli.

Why it’s unhealthy: It has long been hyped as a healthy breakfast option. But most muesli is chock-fill of sugar. Most people
also eat way beyond a normal serving size. This means a very high energy and carbohydrate intake, which could spike blood
sugar levels.  

Swap with: Rolled oats makes for a healthier choice. You can also make your own muesli from scratch. This way you can control
what goes into your muesli. 

Food: Cereal bars.

Why it’s unhealthy: Cereal bars are no better than a packet of sweets or chocolate. These so-called "vitamin and mineral enriched"
snacks are often stuck together with sugar – even ones that claim to be sugar-free. While they may not have added white sugar,
they are often made with dried fruits that are high in sugar like dates. They are also very low in nutrients and high in
saturated and trans fats. 

Swap with: Keep it simple by snacking on fresh fruit and nuts when you’re on the run. Go for low-sugar fruits like raspberries,
blueberries and apples. 

Food: Fruit sticks.

Why they’re unhealthy: Because they are made with fruit, it is easy to be lulled into the false idea that fruit sticks are healthy.
But very little fruit is actually found in these items. They are also laden in sugar, which outweighs the health benefits of the fruit. 

Swap with: Eat fresh fruit instead. They are higher in fibre, more nutritious, lower in sugar, and cheaper. 

Food: Himalayan rock salt.

Why it’s unhealthy: Himalayan rock salt has trace amounts of minerals, which has lead people to think it is a “healthier” salt.
It has also been thought to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and strengthen bones among many other health benefits.
So, people use more on their food. Despite its healing properties, it is still salt, and too much salt can be harmful to your health.

Swap with: Use herbs and spices to flavour your food. When you do use salt, make every sprinkle count. Whether it’s Himalayan rock
salt, sea salt or table salt, stick to the recommended six grams (one teaspoon) per day. 

Food: Cold meats.

Why they’re unhealthy: Lean ham and smoked chicken are a quick go-to for those wanting to lower their carbs and increase
their intake of protein. Even though they are a lean option and lower in saturated fat, cold meats have been shown to increase
the risk for cancer. Salting, curing and preserving causes the build-up of carcinogenic chemicals in food.  

Swap with: Play it safe and opt for roast chicken or meat. 

Food: Aloe vera drinks.

Why it’s unhealthy: The aloe plant has been used for many years because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It's found in many
products, including ready-to-drink beverages. Although it sounds like a good idea to glug down your fix of aloe, these drinks
can be high in sugar. A 240ml serving of one mango-flavoured aloe vera drink contains seven teaspoons of sugar (32.5g). 

Swap with: Infuse water with aloe vera for a refreshing thirst quencher. 

Food: Gluten-free products. 

Why they’re unhealthy: Gluten-free products are just as unhealthy as their gluten-containing counterparts, if not worse.
They are highly processed, low in nutrients, and often made with refined starches that lead to very rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Swap with: Choose foods that are naturally gluten-free, like fruits and vegetables.