Foods to Avoid and Stay Healthy

Nov. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- People in the developed countries eat many unhealthy foods that are associated with obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and others. Foods and drinks such as fried chicken, margarine, soda, and deep fried cheese sticks should be advoided. Margarine, for example, contains trans fats, and solid margarines have more unhealthy fats. Trans fats are considered unhealthy because they increase bad cholesterol and the risk for coronary heart disease. Breastfeeding women should avoid margarine because it lowers the quality of milk.

Some foods are high in sodium, and consumption should be limited. There are many high-salt foods such as yeast extract spread, gravy, and sun dried tomatoes. Table salt is associated with many health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Foods that are high in salt increase the risk for edema, dehydration, hormonal imbalance, and kidney stones. It is better to eat foods such as beets, milk, and celery because salt occurs naturally in them. Sodium has health benefits and controls blood pressure and the body’s fluids. Sodium deficiency also leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Foods that are loaded with sugar are also unhealthy and include soft drinks, molasses, pies, candies, and spreads. You may be surprised but bottled spaghetti sauce contains a lot of sugar. A high sugar diet can cause mood swings, type 2 diabetes, and heart attack. Sugar also increases the risk for stroke, yeast infection, and depression. Sugar can cause cancer and weakens eyesight. It is better to limit consumption and include more fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, apples, and others.

The cuisine of other nations also includes unhealthy foods. Fugu or blowfish, for example, is considered a delicacy in Hong Kong, Japan, and other countries in East Asia. The liver and other organs of blowfish contain tetrodotoxin, which paralyzes the muscles. Shellfish, including scallops, oysters, and muscles, contains high levels of toxic substances. While potatoes are a staple, eating green potatoes may lead to coma and death. They can cause cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Mushrooms supply minerals and vitamins, but there are some poisonous species. These include the Deadly Webcap, Destroying Angels, and Death Cap.

Rhubarb supplies beneficial nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium. At the same time, the leaves contain a toxic substance that can cause poisoning. Fruit and vegetable poisoning also occurs and is due to infectious organisms. Among the symptoms of poisoning are fatigue, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Treatment is required in some cases, especially if severe dehydration has occurred. Some people are also allergic to foods such as walnuts, crab, and lobster. People who are allergic often experience abdominal pain, weakness, lightheadedness, and asthma.

Sources:

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/diet-and-disease

http://www.lowcarbfoods.org/