The eight most harmful foods are those that are high in saturated and trans fats, sugar, salt, and chemicals. These include processed meats, full-fat dairy products, refined grains, sugary drinks, fast food, and packaged snacks. These foods can lead to obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.
Meats from the grill and other burnt foods. Luke Jones Flickr
When about potentially harmful foods, those that are charred or burnt rank near the top of the list. Meats that have been grilled, for example, can contain high levels of certain chemicals that can damage your health.
When meat is cooked at high temperatures, whether it’s grilled, barbecued or pan-fried, it produces compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in both animals and humans.
One study found that people who regularly ate well-done meat had a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who ate little or no well-done meat. Another study found that HCAs may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Red meat (even when it’s not grilled)
Red meat is one of the most harmful foods you can eat. It’s high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also a major source of cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs).
Eating just one 3-ounce serving of red meat a day can increase your risk of colon cancer by 20%. And the more red meat you eat, the greater the risk. If you eat 3 servings a week, your risk goes up by 50%.
Grilling or barbecuing red meat can make it even more dangerous. That’s because HCAs are formed when muscle tissue from animals is cooked at high temperatures. When fat from the meat drips on to the hot coals or grill plates, it creates smoke that contains HCAs. These chemicals then stick to the surface of the meat and are absorbed into your body when you eat it.
So if you love grilled steak or burgers, try to limit yourself to no more than once a week. And when you do grill, cook your meat at lower temperatures to minimize HCAs formation.
Sugary foods
A new study has found that eating too much sugar can increase your risk of dying from heart disease. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at data from over 8,000 people. The researchers found that those who ate the most sugar (25% or more of their daily calories) were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as those who ate the least sugar (10% or less of their daily calories).
So why is sugar so bad for your heart? Sugar causes inflammation in your body, and this inflammation can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. Sugar also raises your “bad” cholesterol levels and increases your risk of developing diabetes, which is another major risk factor for heart disease.
If you want to keep your heart healthy, it’s important to limit the amount of sugar you eat. You should aim for no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar per day. That includes sugars from candy, cookies, cake, and soda-not just the white stuff you add to coffee or tea. When reading food labels, be sure to check for “hidden” sources of sugar like corn syrup or honey. And choose foods that are naturally low in sugar like fruits and vegetables instead of processed snacks or desserts.
Juice and other sweet drinks
Most of us enjoy a refreshing glass of juice or sweetened beverage every now and then. However, what many people don’t realize is that these drinks can actually be quite harmful to our health. In fact, some experts believe that juice and other sweetened drinks are one of the leading contributors to the obesity epidemic.
While fruit juice does contain some vitamins and minerals, it is also loaded with sugar. A single cup of orange juice, for example, contains over 24 grams of sugar – that’s more than what you’ll find in a can of soda! And because juices are often consumed in large quantities, it’s easy to consume way too much sugar without even realizing it.
In addition to being high in sugar, many juices also contain added ingredients like artificial flavors and colors. These additives have been linked to a variety of health problems including cancer and behavioral issues in children.
So what’s the bottom line? If you want to stay healthy, it’s best to stick with water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary beverages like juice or soda. Your body will thank you for it!
Processed food (yes, that may include cheesy quesadillas)
We all know that processed food is not good for us. It’s loaded with calories, salt, and fat – and not the good kind of fat. But did you know that processed food can also be harmful to your health?
Here are 8 of the most harmful foods you should avoid:
1. Cheesy quesadillas: We all love a good cheesy quesadilla, but they’re loaded with saturated fat and sodium. A single quesadilla can have over 700 calories and 1,500mg of sodium – that’s more than half of the daily recommended intake!
2. Frozen pizza: Just like quesadillas, frozen pizzas are loaded with unhealthy ingredients. A single slice can have as much as 500 calories, and many brands use cheap, processed cheese that’s full of harmful additives.
3. Processed meats: Meats like hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats are high in saturated fat and sodium. They’ve also been linked to cancer risk. If you must eat these meats, make sure to cook them yourself so you know exactly what’s going into them.
Processed breakfast cereal and other refined grains
Processed breakfast cereals are often made with refined grains that have been stripped of their nutrient-rich bran and germ. This leaves them with little to no fiber, vitamins or minerals. What’s worse, they’re often loaded with sugar, artificial colors and flavors.
Consuming too many refined grains can lead to a host of health problems, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option, opt for whole grain cereals or oatmeal instead.
Other refined grain products to avoid include white bread, pastries, cookies and crackers. These foods are also high in sugar and low in nutrients. Instead of reaching for these unhealthy snacks, opt for healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables or whole grain breads.
Poisonous fungi
Most people who become ill after eating poisonous fungi do so because they mistake them for edible species. This is particularly common with inexperienced foragers who are not familiar with the appearance of these dangerous organisms. The best way to avoid becoming sick from eating poisonous fungi is to learn how to identify them correctly and only collect mushrooms that you are absolutely certain are safe to eat. If you suspect that you have eaten a poisonous fungus, seek medical attention immediately as some toxins can cause irreversible damage or even death if not treated quickly enough.