Bad for heart and mental health: Nutritionist on foods to avoid
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Ultra-processed foods have flooded store shelves everywhere. These are the foods that have undergone multiple transformations in their composition and appearance to achieve a taste that appeals to the masses. It’s essential to recognize which products have been processed, according to nutritionist Olha Bezuhla.
Which foods are ultra-processed?
Ultra-processed foods are those that contain little to no whole-food ingredients and have gone through multiple stages of processing, during which sweeteners, colorants, flavorings, and emulsifiers are added.
These products harm health and could lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, deteriorating mental health, and premature death.
However, the dangers of ultra-processed foods aren’t limited to obvious items like chips.
"Research shows that even some foods we consider healthy may also contain a high number of processed ingredients. This means that even foods that appear beneficial can negatively impact health if they have undergone extensive processing," the report says.
The nutritionist emphasized that to avoid overly processed foods and protect your health, it is crucial to carefully study the labels on packages. By choosing minimally processed products, individuals can take a step toward healthier eating.
Foods to avoid at dinner
Red meat
While red meat is an excellent source of protein and iron, consuming it at dinner can be problematic. Red meat, especially in large quantities, can be hard to digest and often contains saturated fats, which can cause discomfort and affect sleep quality.
Additionally, high consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Fried foods
Fried foods like French fries and chicken wings contain large amounts of saturated and trans fats. This can lead to heartburn, stomach heaviness, and digestive issues.
The high fat content in such foods can slow down digestion and negatively impact sleep quality.
Sweets
Eating foods high in sugar before bed can affect your sleep cycle. Sugar can cause energy spikes and decrease serotonin levels, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing sleep quality.
High sugar consumption can also affect metabolism and increase the risk of weight gain.
High-fiber foods
Fiber is crucial for healthy digestion, but consuming it late in the day can be problematic. Foods rich in fiber, such as legumes, whole grains, and some vegetables, can cause bloating and stomach discomfort, potentially disrupting good sleep.
Therefore, it’s better to choose thermally processed vegetables for the evening, as they contain less fiber.
Alcohol
Alcohol may seem like a relaxation aid, but it negatively affects sleep quality.
Drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of sleep cycles, including deep sleep, and lead to frequent awakenings during the night. This can result in feelings of fatigue and decreased productivity the next day.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
