Five 'healthy' foods that are actually harmful to health
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Dr. Midge Brown has revealed five commonly considered healthy foods that, in reality, may not be so beneficial and can elevate blood sugar levels.
Foods that raise blood sugar levels
The video of Dr. Midge explaining which foods should be avoided due to their ability to raise blood sugar levels rapidly has over a million views on TikTok now.
The swift increase in blood sugar levels can be attributed to the consumption of products with a high glycemic index. This prompts the pancreas to release more insulin, leading to increased food cravings and overeating when the sugar levels drop rapidly.
If this cycle repeats, insulin resistance may develop, indicating that the body's cells poorly respond to insulin, and muscles, fat, and the liver struggle to efficiently absorb glucose from the blood.
Elevated blood sugar levels can result in various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, inflammation, arterial plaque formation, as well as heart and joint problems. So, which products are in question?
Fruit juice
Remember that some fruit juices contain as much sugar as a soda can.
"Even the unsweetened kind can have up to 26 grams of carbohydrates, roughly equivalent to six teaspoons of sugar, and all of this with very little fiber," the doctor explains.
Fruits
Fruits, often perceived as healthy, make the list of products that aren't as beneficial as they seem. For instance, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and grapes contain high sugar levels and should be treated more like desserts. Some fruits also have high fiber content, meaning they digest more slowly, preventing a sudden spike in blood sugar.
Oat milk
One cup of oat milk contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, and that's without considering added sugars.
"Not to mention that many commercial brands contain preservatives, thickeners, and emulsifiers, none of which are beneficial for our gut health or overall well-being," the doctor added.
Oatmeal
Another controversial product often recommended to diabetics as a healthy option. One reason dietitians may recommend oatmeal is its fiber content. However, one cup of oatmeal contains around 8 grams of fiber and 62 grams of carbohydrates.
It's important to note though that plain oatmeal is rich in nutrients and contains soluble fiber called beta-glucan, promoting regular bowel movements.
Rice cakes
Rice cakes are often considered a healthy snack. Despite being low in calories, they contain a high amount of carbohydrates and very little fiber.
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.
