These days most of us are so much into this weight loss and eating less kind of mindset, that we feel that almost every food and drink is unhealthy for us. Without giving it a thought twice we end up branding certain foods as harmful. But according to some experts, that is not the case. In-fact if you practice moderation, then you can eat almost everything.
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Hot chocolate and coffee
Two of the most popular drinks, which help in keeping cold at bay are presumed to be bad for our body. But there is some good news for those who just cannot live without these beverages. Hot chocolate has cocoa, which contains polyphenols which help in keeping diseases away. Only stay away from that available in the superstores as it has loads of unhealthy chocolate and syrups.
Make your own cup of hot chocolate by boiling low fat milk and to this add unsweetened cocoa and a little sugar. As for your cup coffee,as per research it contains compounds which help in keeping several diseases away. This includes Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes,diseases associated with liver etc.
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Egg Yolks
There are many of us who opt only for egg whites and keep those yummy egg yolks away saying that they are unhealthy and will make you fat. But according to certain reports egg yolks have some compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes. They have large amounts of anti-inflammatory compound called choline, which helps in producing the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine.
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Popcorn
Popcorn contains fibre, which is good for the heart and the digestive system and is useful against constipation. It also contains anti-oxidants which help in fighting free radicals. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to stay away from the salty, sugary and butter laden popcorn which is available in the market. Instead, make your own bowl of popcorn at home and season it with black pepper and some herbs and a little salt.
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Nuts
No! Nuts are not unhealthy it is just the portions and the form in which you eat them that matters. Always avoid the salted and fried varieties which have extra calories. Eat a small amount of nuts. It has been found that nuts when consumed in moderate quantities help in decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, keep in mind that if you eat large quantities of nuts, then it can prove to be harmful.
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Dairy Products
Full fat products contain saturated fats which can be harmful for your health. But if you are opting for the low fat varieties then you can gain many benefits from dairy products. They are a good source of calcium which is required for strong bones and teeth. These low fat dairy products contain proteins which help in keeping your stomach full for a longer time.
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Bread
Now this is something you always avoid when you are on a diet. But again, if you opt for the whole grain variety then it is not that bad. The whole grain variety of bread contains fibre, which is good for the digestive system. It also contains vitamins and proteins which are good for the body.
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White Potatoes
You love them but are always forced to stay away from them. But actually white potatoes contain proteins,vitamins A and C and potassium. So have them but again not in the fired form. Instead, just boil and mash them up and add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Overall all foods contain stuff that is good for your body. The important thing is that you eat these food items in moderate amount and in the right form in order to prevent the harmful effects.