What you need to know about not-so-healthy “health” foods

Over time, we have all learned that some advertising about products may appear compelling, but the real facts about the product are not accurately or entirely revealed. In other words, the latest buzz factor or craze surrounding a product (like “fat free”) might actually overshadow some other important facts.

This type of marketing can mislead people into thinking they are gaining one thing with a product when in actuality they may be compromising or losing another element that is even healthier. It is a slippery slope that can slide right under some radars. As a result, it requires that we investigate and dissect what is what. In others words, we need to become knowledgeable and wiser about the selection of products.

Dr. Nina’s What You Need to Know: About Some Not-So-Healthy “Health” Foods

• Fat-free foods

Let’s face it, the label is appealing. After all, who wants something filled with fat? But before you choose that fat-free option, consider this: Removing fat from foods often leaves them pretty tasteless, literally. To return the taste and make it edible, manufacturers may add sugar or salt. Sugar is converted into fat and can be stored in our bodies like other fats until it is burned off as energy. And we know that salt is responsible for 1 in every 10 deaths in the United States. Make sure to check the nutrition labels and consider all aspects of nutrition: calories, sodium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Energy bars

Cleverly named, we have come to accept them as healthy meals that give us a boost while on the move. However, some energy bars are full of high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, saturated fats, and very little fiber. Again, look at the nutrition label to determine the best choice for you. Opt for bars whose protein comes from soy, milk, whey or egg as opposed to collagen or gelatin, and fat calories less than 30 percent of the total calories.

• Breakfast cereals

We would never condone having our children eat ice cream or cookies for breakfast. But did you know that a bowl of kid’s cereal has MORE sugar than ice cream by weight and is equal to 3 Chips Ahoy cookies? We are literally and figuratively feeding our children sugar-laden dessert. Fortunately, there are healthy breakfast cereal choices on the market. Make sure to look at the labels and opt for choices that have less than 5 grams of added sugar per bowl.

• Energy drinks

A young high school athlete recently died from a cardiac arrest while vacationing in Mexico because she drank too many cans of an energy drink. While the labels claim to boost energy, endurance, and performance, these drinks are loaded with mega-doses of caffeine which can increase our heart rate, blood pressure, and stimulate our central nervous system. Additionally, these drinks have been shown to increase the occurrence of headaches and migraines, insomnia, diabetes, risky behavior, nervousness and vomiting. They can also be addicting.

• Flavored yogurts

Yogurts are touted as a healthy food, but be careful when it comes to flavored yogurts which can contain up to 15 grams of sugar in those tiny cups! Many times there is no fruit and the flavor comes from sugars, artificial fruit flavors or pureed fruit that is loaded with sugar. A great alternative is to choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruit.

• Frozen yogurt

I have read that frozen yogurt is not an alternative to low-fat yogurt, but an alternative to ice cream. The definition of yogurt is that it needs to be curdled milk and cultures. However, some frozen yogurts include multiple hard to pronounce additives: guar gum, maltodextrin, sodium citrate, cellulose gum, disodium phosphate, and propylene glycol monoesters. In fact, propylene glycol is used to dissolve medications into a water solution (e.g., propofol, an anesthetic agent). While it may be a healthier dessert than ice cream, make sure to keep serving sizes small and minimize unhealthy toppings.

Marketing gimmicks are clever. And the burden falls on us to wade through the waters especially when it can become a little murky. The Surgeon General states that “People are empowered when they have the knowledge, ability, resources, and motivation to identify and make healthy choices. When people are empowered, they are able to take an active role in improving their health, support their families and friends in making healthy choices, and lead community change.” Let’s live wise, healthy and empowered!

This information is for educational purposes and should not be considered specific medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Dr. Nina Radcliff is dedicated to her profession, her patients and her community, at large. She is passionate about sharing wise preventive health measures. Contact her on Facebook or Twitter @drninaradcliff.