The 9 Most Overrated Health Foods

There are plenty of “superfoods” out there that are supposedly the healthiest things you can possibly eat… but not all of them are as healthy as they’re set out to be. These ten “health” foods may actually not be that good for you!

1. Yogurt

Yogurt can definitely be a healthy option, but most of the yogurts available aren’t a healthy option. Not all yogurts are created equal. While a non-fat, plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt might be a good breakfast option, paired with some fruit, most of the yogurts you’ll find on the shelves are full of sugar and fat.

2. Soy

Again, not all soy products are created equal. Processing can often rob soy of its nutrition and even add in ingredients that aren’t good for you. For the best soy options, try something that’s gone through a natural fermentation process. Tempeh, for example, packs in far more nutritional value than tofu.

3. Margarine

Offered as a “healthy alternative” to butter, margarine is actually one of the worst health foods for you. Stick margarine, especially, is hydrogenated, turning what could have been healthy plant oils into trans fats that can wreak havoc on your system. Go for natural plant oils like olive oil instead.

4. Egg Whites

Egg yolks have been totally vilified, but as long as you don’t have high cholesterol, eating whole eggs really isn’t a terrible option. In fact, the yolk is more nutritious and rich in protein than the white! Just make sure that you’re eating your eggs in a healthy way, like poached or hard boiled, rather than fried or scrambled with cheese.

5. Fake Meat

Sure, it’s not meat, which might tickle your health fancy, but at the same time, just look at the name – fake meat is super processed and highly artificial! This means lots of additives and extra fat and sodium. For a protein substitute, try tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead.

6. Protein Bars

Usually, protein bars are full of sugar and are very calorically dense. If you need a quick pick me up, go for something made from whole ingredients instead, like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, or some lean protein.

7. Fruit Juice

Fruit is good for you, but the juice is missing most of the good parts, like fiber and vitamins, and just giving you all of the sugar. If you want to drink your fruit, try blending it into a smoothie with vegetables instead of just drinking the juice.

8. Whole Grain Flour

Whole grains aren’t bad for you in and of themselves, but it’s important to watch where you’re getting them from. Whole grain flour, for example, can often be found in treats and sweets that aren’t actually healthy – just slightly better for you than the alternative. That definitely makes whole grain flour an overrated health food.

9. Low-Fat Salad Dressing

Salad dressings with higher amounts of fat can actually help you absorb the nutrients in your salad better and make you feel more satiated. It’s all about portion size, though – make sure that you really are only eating the recommended serving of salad dressing, because dousing your greens in Caesar can add up really quickly.

Have you been duped by any of these overrated health foods?