Unhealthy foods that are actually healthy

Unhealthy or healthy, is a question asked by too many people. Growing up in an environment that is very supermarket friendly, people tend to purchasemore canned, tinned and bottled foods.

A few of what we love so much is sometimes called unhealthy, and we hate to love it, but we just do. On the other hand there are some foods that most people believe to be unhealthy, but actually have some healthy outcomes.

Below is a list of the fallen, a tribute to the foods that suffer undeserved injustice in the name of health.

Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is not only fun to say, but it also helps with satiety and weight control. The healthy fats, protein and fiber in this super-spread will satisfy your indulgence tooth. A teensy caveat: don’t let “reduced-fat” brands fool you!

The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are GOOD for you, as they reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream and lower your risk of heart disease.

Also, avoid spreads with added sugars and oils. High fructose corn syrup and partially/fully hydrogenated oils are major red flags, as they can have addictive, harmful effects.

Egg yolks
Many people are scared off by the high cholesterol levels, but research has shown that saturated fat, not cholesterol, is the prime culprit behind deteriorating heart health.

Furthermore, according to registered dietician Kelly Plowe, these golden orbs of nutrition contain three grams of protein, vitamin D, phosphorous, riboflavin, choline and selenium, along with numerous other vitamins and minerals.

Still, this isn’t to say you should be wolfing down yolk after yolk at meals. Plowe recommends a 3:1 ratio of whites to yolks; three egg whites per one egg yolk.

Avocados
These fruits can form their own alphabet with the essential vitamins they contain: A, B, C, D, E, K, you name it, they’ve probably got it.

Infused with healthy unsaturated fats as well, avocados provide many of the benefits of peanut butter aka the spread of all that is good.

Interestingly enough, a study from Ohio State University suggests that avocados coupled with salsa or salad serve to increase phytonutrient absorption.

White rice
Often called out for its higher glycemic index than its brown counterpart, white rice may not be so bad. While it’s true that white rice goes through more processing, white rice sold in the US is fortified with the lost nutrients.

Research has shown that people who eat rice are less likely to have weight issues. The benefits go international—some of the healthiest nations, including ours, enjoy this yummy staple.

Potatoes
The stuff that goes into chips and fries is healthy? When they’re not deep-fried, these tubers serve many health benefits. They contain potassium and fiber, must-haves for balanced electrolyte and blood sugar levels in the body.

The resistant starch in potatoes serves a noble purpose as well: it helps keep you full! Not all potatoes are created equal, however. Whenever possible, go for the sweet option—the sweet potato, that is. With its arsenal of beta-carotene and higher fiber content, the sweet potato is the way to go.

Coffee
Coffee isn’t actually a food. But it, too, deserves to be redeemed. One of the top sources of flavonoids in the American diet, coffee can improve cardiovascular health and shield cells from the adverse effects of aging.

For you athletes out there, some caffeine can even help you to run faster and play harder. Just be careful not to overdo it: caffeine can also be habit-forming, and public health experts say the safe range is three-four cups of coffee per day.

Popcorn
Popcorn is 100 per cent whole grain and packed with antioxidants, making for a great snack. What’s more, with air-popped varieties, you can have three cups of crunchy goodness for just 100 calories! Forgo the butter, add a dash of salt and you’ve got yourself a perfect movie-time munch.