Common foods with hidden health risks

Everyday food with health risks Avid coke drinkers may have finally switched to the diet stuff with the news that sugary drinks won’t just rot your teeth, but too much could run the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Turns out consuming 12oz of soda and overly sweetened juices everyday puts you at a 22 percent increased risk of diabetes in later life.
With research like this coming out every so often (remember Diet Coke and the ingredient in it linked to cancer?) it’s hard tell these days what is exactly good for you and what isn't. We all love food and most of us want to stay healthy, so we've decided to burst some people’s proverbial food bubbles by picking out five everyday foods that should come with a health warning. But remember, if eating a certain type of food makes you happy; do so – but as always, in moderation.

Red Meat



Most of us are aware of the health risks that come with consuming red meat, processed or otherwise, but it doesn't stop us from opting for a well-done steak or beef burger as our first choice from the menu. Doctors advise that red meat intake should be limited to prevent heart problems and certain cancers associated with its consumption, but warn against eating meat that has had something done to eat it for preservation altogether, such as the adding of chemicals.

Coffee



There has been an on-going debate surrounding the health benefits and risks of coffee, which also applies to energy drinks. The source of the dispute is of course the stimulant caffeine, which could play havoc with your hormones – affecting your body’s natural mood stabilising process. The addictive ingredient has also been linked to migraines and found guilty of raising blood pressure. Try swapping your morning and afternoon coffee to tea and reduce the amount you drink every day.

Brown bread

Everyone knows white bread is as good for you as a block of lard, but the seemingly healthy alternative whole wheat and wholegrain brown bread might not be much better. The problem arises case by case, the brown bread that we buy in the supermarket is often devoid of many nutrients and lacks fibre and instead contains high levels of salt. Make sure to read the label before buying, or by fresh from a bakery.

Margarine



Similarly, margarine was once touted as the healthy alternative to butter, turns out dietitians got that one wrong too. Experts now warn that margarine is much more synthetic than butter and could actually contain harmful chemicals. More research is still needed in the area, but so far butter may be a better option.

Pasta



There are many healthy variations of pasta, but the typical variety we buy has no nutritional value. No minerals, no vitamins and barely any fibre – all we’re consuming are empty carbohydrates. What’s worse is that fast-food pasta, such as Chinese noodles, often contains a large amount of salt, mixed with unhealthy fat.