Living Longer: 4 Foods To Avoid

Living forever may not be possible, but people can live for a very long time by having a healthy diet. Food is a life-giving source necessary for survival. However, many food products are very unhealthy and contribute to medical disorders. Conditions like obesity and diabetes are linked to foods that aren’t great for the body. To stay healthy, people should try consuming specific foods known for great health benefits. On the same note, there are foods out there that people should avoid.

1. Added sugar

Added sugar is one of the worst ingredients. Added or processed sugar can be added to everything from fruit snacks to pasta sauce. Processed sugar is filled with empty calories meaning the body doesn’t register the substance as food and the sugar just takes up space. Therefore, foods full of processed sugar don’t make the stomach feel full and people end up eating more food to compensate. Too much added sugar can lead to diabetes and even liver disease.

2. White bread

White bread is the result of whole grains refined to the point that the grain no longer has any nutrients. The flour is refined, bleached, and then bleached some more to create the flour used for white bread. White bread has no nutritional value and is bad for people with gluten allergies.

3. Industrial vegetable oils

Like sugary drinks and foods, industrial vegetable oils are filled with added ingredients that are bad for the human body. Soybean, canola, and refined vegetable oils are the biggest culprits. These oils have copious amounts of omega-6 fatty acids that can be difficult for the body to process.

4. Margarine

Made with hydrogenated industrial vegetable oils, this food is touted as a healthy alternative to butter. But margarine is anything but healthy. Margarine has a high trans fat content which is horrible for the body. Trans fats clog the arteries and can result in heart disease.

One of the healthiest foods: whole grains

Whole grains are high in fiber, which means this food lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. In addition to fiber, whole grains also have large amounts of B vitamins, folate, and potassium. Whole grains can be found in the natural form of seeds or milled to form flour. Most grains are whole before undergoing the refinement process. Whole grains are used to make wheat products like rice, pasta, and bread. Whole grains are incredibly healthy, and people should try consuming whole grain-rich foods at least once or twice a day.

What does your doctor say?

Before changing a diet, consult a doctor to learn about healthy foods, processed foods, and foods to avoid. Making dietary lifestyle changes can promote prolonged, healthy living.