Since I read about health for fun (seriously), it's pretty hard to shock me about what foods are healthy and unhealthy. But this week's news that pomegranate juice really isn't that great for you… well, it shocked me. Earlier this week, a federal judge ruled that Pom Wonderful juice isn't actually that wonderful and declared claims that the pomegranate juice's antioxidants (and the company's advertising) "prevent serious diseases and other medical conditions" were fraudulent.
All of that got me thinking: what other food is masquerading around as "healthy" but actually isn't? Plus, I found out one VERY surprising "bad" food that isn't actually as unhealthy as we've previously heard.
Pomegranate Juice
According to the federal judge, Pom used “insufficient” evidence to prove that their products “treat, prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease, prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction.”
Non-Fried Chips
Just because a chip is “baked” or “low fat” doesn’t make it healthy, since they are still made with refined grains or starch. Instead opt for chips made with whole grains and fried in olive or canola oil.
Flavored Greek Yogurt
Although Greek yogurt itself is good for you, the flavored variety actually has too much sugar and therefore negates the health benefits of the yogurt. Try putting in fresh fruit instead.
Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter
Oil is actually the HEALTHIEST part of the peanut, so why take it out? This kind of peanut butter has just as many calories and more sugar (plus less nutrients) than the regular version.
Vitamin Water
Any water with vitamins in it is not much better than any other sugary drink. There’s no proof this kind of drink is good for you, plus it contains more calories than plain water and eating fruits.
Fried Foods
Frying foods increases calories, but it’s not necessarily unhealthy as long as the food is fried in healthful oil (olive or canola) instead of butter, shortening or transfat. Plus, eaten in moderation some vitamins actually need fat to be absorbed into the body. Things like fried carrots, sweet potatoes (beta carotene), fried tomatoes (lycopene) and fried spinach or kale chips (lutein/zeaxanthin) aren’t too bad for you.
