3 “Health Foods” That You Should Almost NEVER Eat
Have you ever stopped to reconsider the seemingly healthy foods you eat on a regular basis? Well, buckle up because today’s article might just challenge some of your beliefs about peanut butter, almonds, and spinach. These three staples in many health-conscious diets could be silently contributing to various health issues within your body. Let’s delve deeper into why:
1. Peanut Butter
Sure, peanut butter offers a small dose of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, its drawbacks far outweigh the benefits. Ever heard of aflatoxin? It’s a mold toxin that thrives in peanuts stored in damp conditions, and peanuts happen to be among the top carriers of this toxin. But wait, there’s more.
Peanut butter is loaded with inflammatory omega-6 fats, and the processing methods used often render these fats into a harmful oxidized state. Given that many people already consume excessive omega-6 fats from vegetable oils, this only exacerbates issues like insulin resistance, heart disease, and inflammation-related ailments.
And let’s not forget about oxalates – compounds found in moderate amounts in peanut butter, which can contribute to kidney stones, thyroid disorders, and gut issues if consumed excessively.
2. Spinach
Ah, spinach – the poster child of healthy greens. But hold your fork, because spinach harbors a dark secret: oxalates. These compounds, present in alarming quantities in spinach, can wreak havoc on your health.
With a single serving packing up to 600 mg of oxalates, spinach exceeds the recommended daily intake of 100-200 mg set by renowned oxalate expert Sally Norton. Overindulgence in oxalates can lead to kidney stones, thyroid dysfunction, gastrointestinal distress, skin problems, and joint pain. In some extreme cases, excessive consumption, especially through green smoothies, has even resulted in kidney failure, landing individuals in the emergency room.
3. Almonds
Often touted as a nutritional powerhouse, almonds come with their fair share of caveats. Like peanut butter, almonds are guilty of containing excessive omega-6 fats and oxalates. While occasional consumption may not pose significant risks, regularly indulging in almonds could contribute to health issues related to these compounds.
So, where does that leave us? It’s essential to reassess our dietary choices and strike a balance between nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks. As we explore further, keep in mind that what seems healthy on the surface may harbor hidden risks. Now, let’s dive into a fun quiz and explore a few more foods worth examining.