Don’t let the idea that these food items are made of supposedly natural and healthy ingredients fool you. They are scientifically proven to be dangerous to health, so don’t put them in your mouth.
From fruit juices to milk and even tuna, here are 51 of the most unhealthy foods you should avoid to stay healthy:
51. Fruit Juice
Many fruit juices on the market are labeled natural and healthy when they are far from being beneficial to the body. They may be made from natural fruits, but the ingredients have been heavily processed to fit cans and cartons and stay there for long periods. Apart from being fiber-less, these fruit juices are high in sugar, which has been linked to higher obesity risk in one study.
50. French Fries
Everybody loves French fries. Sadly, it’s not the best food to munch on when looking for a healthy snack. Fried foods, in general, are unhealthy because of the oil used in preparing them. In addition, fries are high in acrylamide, which increases cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.
49. Bacon
Bacon is classified under processed meats — possibly the worst type of food anyone could eat. It’s made from red meat that has been processed with harmful chemicals and additives, such as nitrates, for preservation and color. When exposed to high heat, nitrates turn into carcinogenic compounds, as per Meat Science.
48. Cereal
Cereals are almost everyone’s everyday go-to breakfast, especially kids. They are easy to prepare and taste good. But they are very high in sugars and refined carbs that could wreak havoc on the body. Experts have been warning about sugary cereals for the longest time, saying they can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure and even tooth decay.
47. Energy Drinks
When low on energy, many people turn to energy drinks for help without thinking too much about it. Unfortunately, these beverages fall under the category of sugary drinks. Aside from being high in sugar, they also contain loads of caffeine. The two are known to cause many health problems, such as diabetes, obesity and heart problems.
46. Tuna
For tuna lovers out there, you are at high risk of suffering mercury poisoning. Tuna is one fish known to contain a high amount of mercury, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Frequent exposure to mercury could lead to tremors, blindness and even death.
45. Mac & Cheese
Another food item to eliminate from your pantry is boxed mac & cheese. This food is high in sodium, fat, calories and refined carbohydrates — the perfect combination for guaranteed weight gain and serious health problems, such as hypertension and heart disease.
44. Milk
Got milk? Well, we have bad news for you. While milk has been marketed to be healthy for the body, there is scientific evidence that it could also be unhealthy. Milk has been associated with several conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Experts say this shouldn’t come as a surprise since cow’s milk has always been intended for its calf, not humans.
43. Hot Fudge
It’s no secret that corn syrup is bad for the body. And this is the primary ingredient of hot fudge, making the drink everyone likes to enjoy every so often quite unhealthy. Its high sugar content leads to weight gain and possibly diabetes, as per Mashed.
42. Popcorn
Watching Netflix isn’t complete without popcorn. The easy-to-prepare, microwaveable snack is delicious. But the thing that makes it flavorful also makes it unhealthy. Popcorn contains sodium, which increases blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
41. Hot Dogs
Considered a mystery meat because of its somewhat mysterious ingredients, hot dogs are high in sodium, corn syrup, sodium phosphate and sodium nitrate. These components have been linked to chronic kidney disease, heart disease, weak bones and accelerated aging in various research efforts. One study even said each hot dog cuts more than 30 minutes of one’s lifespan.
40. Buffalo Wings
Before they get covered in a buttery sauce, they are fried in a batter with salt and other flavorings. The high sodium content is one of the things that makes buffalo wings unhealthy. Each serving is also loaded with calories, according to Mashed.
39. Grilled Cheese
American cheese, the main component of this food, has been dubbed one of the worst foods ever made. The use of oil and butter in preparing the meal, plus the white bread that goes with the cheese, all the more make grilled cheese unhealthy.
38. White Sugar
This one is a no-brainer. White sugar has been linked to unhealthy conditions and diseases since time immemorial. High consumption of this ingredient increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
37. Pancake Syrup
There are two main types of pancake syrups available on the market: the highly processed, high-fructose formula and the fancy natural maple syrup. Unfortunately, none of them is healthy for you. Experts recommend eating this sparingly since it could max out one’s recommended daily sugar intake.
36. Charred Meats
Between grilling and frying, many people prefer the former since it drains excess fat during the cooking process. Unfortunately, there is a downside to this when charring takes place. Charred meat contains carcinogenic compounds that promote colorectal, prostate, pancreatic and breast cancers, according to Eat This, Not That.
35. Pie Crust
Moms love ready-to-bake pie crusts because they save them time when preparing pastries. But the store-bought pre-made pie crusts contain preservatives, such as BHA and BHT. The two are detrimental to the circulatory system, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
34. Barbecue Sauce
Did you know that just two tablespoons of this sauce contain 70 calories and 15 grams of sugar? And, undeniably, everyone does not settle for just two tablespoons when they have this delicious sauce on hand. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the high fructose corn syrup present in barbecue sauces increases heart disease risk.
33. Cheesecake
The decadent and creamy cheesecake is very tempting for most people. But giving into it means one is increasing their risk of health conditions. This dessert is high in fat, sugar and sodium, as pointed out by Eat This, Not That.
32. Margarine
Margarine has a creamy taste that makes it appealing to many people. But just so you know, this food item contains a blend of vegetable oils, including palm oil, which has a high saturated fat content. So don’t be surprised when you experience inflammation. Margarine is known to cause that and even more.
31. Taco Bowls
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this food is healthy. A taco bowl is actually loaded with calories, fat and sodium. The fried tortilla alone is a dead giveaway it is not for those who want to stay healthy. The meat, cheese, sour cream and various sauces also add to this food’s unhealthy profile.
30. Fettuccine Alfredo
Easy to prepare and very delicious to the palate. That’s fettuccine Alfredo for most people. Surprisingly, it is also one of the worst pasta dishes ever made. The dish is made of butter, cream, salt, cheese and carbs, making it high in calories. The Food Network said one portion already contains 1,200 calories or more and 74 grams of fat.
29. Belgian Waffles
This next food item smells so great, it’s almost always impossible to say no to it. But here’s one good reason to turn it down — it’s unhealthy. Belgian waffles are loaded with sugars and carbs. They also have sodium, so they are not recommended as a regular breakfast option.
28. Potato Chips
Potato chips are high in oil, salt and sometimes even additives. The consequences of eating this frequently are dire. Experts consider them empty calories for a reason. They don’t offer nutrients. Mashed said eating potato chips has also been linked to diabetes, cancer and other conditions.
27. White Bread
White bread may seem not that unhealthy since it does not taste as sweet as other pastries. However, the glycemic index of white bread makes blood sugar levels spike after consumption. The high sugar content could lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and obesity in the long run.
26. Red Meat
Research shows that eating red meat takes a toll on the body. One large study even found that red meat increases the risk of kidney disease and eventually kidney failure. This explains why doctors recommend restricting protein intake in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.
25. Jello
It’s a fun food many people enjoy, especially kids. But jello is very unhealthy. Its jiggly form is made possible with the use of animal gelatin (bones, tendons and other connective tissue). Meanwhile, its sweet and often fruity flavor is from the sugar and additives it contains. It’s best to avoid it if you want to stay healthy or lose weight, according to Eat This, Not That.
24. Coffee Creamer
For most of us, adding creamer to our cup of coffee is more than just a habit. It’s already part of the experience. But did you know that coffee creamer does not contain cream? The ones sold at stores are made of water, sugar and soybean or canola oil. They also come with synthetic additives. Even fat-free and sugar-free creamers are not safe since they are made of the same stuff, plus artificial sweeteners.
23. Churros
You’ll find these at fairs, festivals and even at cafes. They always seem like a great choice for a snack with their sweet deliciousness. But this fried dough covered in sugar does not offer any nutrition. Worse, the oil it’s fried in has been linked to heart disease and other conditions, according to the Los Angeles Times.
22. Fondant
Fondant turns cakes into beautiful works of art. But it’s The hydrogenated oil used in making it contains trans fat. So while fondant is safe to it, it is not healthy for the body at all.
21. Onion Rings
So you ditched French fries for onion rings thinking the latter is healthier than the former? Newsflash: it’s not. Onion rings are just as bad even if the main component is a vegetable. The nutritional benefit of onions is automatically voided once it is covered in batter with salt and sugar and deep-fried in oil. So you better think twice about having either of the two food items.
20. Mayonnaise
The famous condiment contains sodium, sugar and preservatives. It brims with fat and contains about 50% of the daily recommended sodium. So yes, mayonnaise is not good for you.
19. Nachos
People may try to justify nachos as a healthy snack due to the vegetable toppings that come with the dish. What many forget is the tortilla chips used as a base do not provide any sort of nutrients and are fried in oil. Most preparations are also high in sodium.
18. Fish and Chips
The seafood aspect of this dish may be packed with lean protein. But that’s just the good side of it. Once it’s covered in salt and batter and deep fried in oil, then you know there’s trouble. The fries that go along with it are also loaded with sodium and fat.
17. Mozzarella Sticks
Having a golden brown appearance at the dinner table is a sign that what you are about to eat is not healthy. This applies to all fried foods, including mozzarella sticks. They are high in saturated fat, calories and sodium. SFGate noted that mozzarella sticks increase the risk of heart disease and obesity.
16. Salad Dressing
Believe it or not, salad dressings could also be bad for the health. Some contain high fructose corn syrup and soybean oil. The former has been associated with weight gain and diabetes, while the latter is said to cause inflammation and increase appetite, according to Eat This, Not That.
15. Candy Corn
A Halloween favorite, candy corn is famous among kids and adults alike. But what many ignore about this sweet treat is it’s made of corn syrup and sugar. Just 15 pieces of candy corn contain 110 calories and 22 grams of sugar, as per Mashed. So even if it tastes good, it should be avoided to stay healthy.
14. Eel
Aside from tuna, eel is another fish to avoid. Experts said this also contains elevated mercury levels, making eel harmful to those who consume it. Instead of your usual eel sushi, opt for the healthier California roll.
13. Fried Rice
Fried rice offers a variety of flavors because of it combines several ingredients, including rice, eggs, vegetables, seafood and meat. A serving is high in calories and fat because everything is cooked in oil. It also has high sodium content. A meal with brown rice is a much better food option.
12. Granola Bars
Granola bars are advertised as healthy snacks. But reading their food label will reveal their true color as an unhealthy food. Most store-available granola bars are high in sugar and carbohydrates. They are also heavily processed, so even the fruit tidbits are no longer healthy.
11. Garlic Bread
This next food item is high on the glycemic index scale because of its high carbohydrate content. While garlic may be healthy, the bread and butter combination is not. According to Health Reporter, garlic bread could never be considered healthy due to its high carb and saturated fat content.
10. Corn Dogs
Like hot dogs, corn dogs are considered junk food. The hot dog inside is already a clear sign that it’s unhealthy. The batter with salt and sugar adds to its unhealthy reputation. It’s also deep-fried, and as mentioned earlier, anything fried in vegetable oil is high in unhealthy fat.
9. Milkshakes
Everybody loves milkshakes, especially during the hot season. But this drink should be limited or, better yet, removed from your diet. Just a single glass could bring unhealthy changes to blood vessels and red blood cells, according to Live Science.
8. Croissants
The buttery and flaky goodness of croissants makes every bite a heavenly experience. But you should know that it could also lead you straight to the path of weight gain. Like most bread, a croissant has loads of calories, fat and carbs.
7. Muffins
Muffins are carbs. Store-bought ones are also the worst since they contain preservatives. The high fat and sugar content of the pastry makes it addicting. Most commercial muffins also contain soybean and additives.
6. Frozen Pies
Frozen pies may seem like a lifesaver for those who are always on the go. But they are actually the opposite. Store-bought ones have trans fat, soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil. All of which guarantee weight gain. So don’t expect to shed pounds when you are munching on these from time to time.
5. Chinese Food
Who doesn’t like Chinese food? It’s flavorful, savory and colorful because of its numerous ingredients. But what makes this unhealthy is its high sodium content. It is also rather low in protein and fiber, as per McGill University.
4. Gummy Bears
They may be considered one of the worst treats to ever exist, but gummy bears seem to be everyone’s favorite not only because of their sweet taste but also because of their cute appearance. Unfortunately, they are bad for the teeth and also increase the risk of diabetes and obesity. After all, gummy bears are mostly made of sugar.
3. Vegetable Chips
The word “vegetable” has a positive connotation, but the “chips” after it confirms its unhealthy profile. Commercially available vegetable chips are high in salt, fat and even preservatives. It’s best to avoid or drop this from your diet.
2. Pizza
America’s go-to meal has long been tied to an unhealthy diet. The calories, sodium and carbohydrates are enough reasons to justify this. Plus, some pizzas have sugar in the crust and certain toppings and sauces. Though it may be tasty, pizza is not good for you unless you know how to make healthy versions of this food.
1. Fried Chicken
Completing the list is another favorite of most people. Fried chicken is a staple in the American diet. Most fast food chains come up with their versions of this dish, but all of them are very high in sodium, calories and fat. This explains why fried chicken is always part of unhealthy food lists.
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