Avoid these 5 “Plant-Based” foods for a healthier life
Not all plant-based foods are good for you! It is important to keep informed on what plants to eat and what to avoid in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some examples:
Avoid these “Plant-Based” foods for a healthier life
Not all plant-based foods are good for you! It is important to keep informed on what plants to eat and what to avoid in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some examples:
Instant Noodles
While most instant noodles sold in Malaysia do not contain meat (although more fancier ones might include a dried slice of meat), they are not good for the health as far as plant-based foods go.
This all comes down to their sauce packets. In order to maintain a longer shelf life, the sauces and powders contain preservatives and chemicals like MSG and TBHQ, which have been linked to adverse health effects in large doses, such as neurological damage and vision disturbances.
While instant noodles are low in calories they lack key nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are more commonly found in whole foods.
Instant ramen noodles are also very high in sodium, with one package containing 1,760mg or 88% of the recommended daily intake. Consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of heart disease, stomach cancer, and stroke.
Potato Chips
These snacks are highly addicting, once you start it is very hard to stop. But did you know you are ruining your health snacking on potato chips?
Potato chips are loaded with calories. A full-sized bag (227g) contains around 1,200-1,280 calories, which is more than half the recommended daily intake. Potato chips are usually fried in industrial seed oils in factories, which are high in unhealthy fats that can contribute to obesity, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
A single pack of potato chips can contain up to 1,000mg of sodium, which is incredibly high. Excess sodium can lead to increased blood pressure and heart disease.
Additionally, when potatoes are fried at high temperatures, a chemical called acrylamide is formed, which is a known carcinogen.
Alcohol
Dr Eddie Ramirez, who was featured on our Savor Talks, is a big proponent of staying away from alcohol. And for strong reasons!
Brewed for centuries since ancient times, modern brewing methods involve methods that increase the alcohol content of the beverage.
While the process usually involves plants (barley for beer, potatoes for vodka, grapes for wine), the end result is a cocktail that acts as a neurotoxin to the brain.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Alcohol has been linked to at least 7 types of cancer, including common cancers like bowel and breast cancer. Even "light" and "moderate" alcohol consumption (less than 1.5 liters of wine, 3.5 liters of beer, or 450 ml of spirits per week) is responsible for half of all alcohol-attributable cancers in the WHO European Region.
There is no threshold or "safe" level of alcohol consumption where the carcinogenic effects "switch on." The risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol is consumed.
White Bread
Modern sliced white bread is a far cry from traditional brown breads found throughout human history. Modern white bread is a processed food with low-quality carbohydrates and usually contains added sugar, which can cause large blood sugar spikes leading to diabetes.
Studies show that for 55% of people, white bread should only be consumed occasionally and in small amounts. For the remaining 45%, it's okay to have white bread in moderation (around 2-3 times per week).
White bread is also low in fiber (0.6g per slice on average), which is insufficient for your daily fiber intake. It is likely to promote "bad" gut bacteria and reduce the growth of "good" gut bacteria.
When looking to buy bread, whole grain bread is a better option, as it has more fiber and is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. Other healthier alternatives include minimally processed whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
White Rice
Refined grains, like white rice, are unhealthier than whole grains, like brown rice because they are much lower in fiber and micronutrients compared to whole grains, as the nutrient-rich bran and germ are removed during processing.
The main difference between brown rice and white rice is that brown rice contains the bran, endosperm, and germ, while white rice has the bran and germ removed.
White rice has a higher glycemic index (73 ± 4) compared to brown rice (68 ± 4), meaning it causes a faster and higher spike in blood sugar levels.
Eating white rice is linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while eating brown rice is linked to a lower risk.
For most people, brown rice is a healthier choice due to its higher nutrient and fiber content, and lower glycemic index. However, for those experiencing digestive issues, white rice may be better tolerated during flare-ups.
Link to Resources:
Are Instant Ramen Noodles Bad for You, or Good?
5 Reasons Why Potato Chips Are Bad For You
No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health
Is white bread good for you? Here’s what the latest science says
Brown rice versus white rice: A head-to-head comparison
Love great food and exclusive perks? 🍽️✨ Sign up as a Savor of Life member today and enjoy a FREE Buffalo Cauliflower with your main dish! 🎉 Don't miss out—join now and treat yourself!
Planning an event? Let Savor of Life bring the flavors to you! 🍽️✨ From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, our catering services offer delicious, high-quality meals tailored to your needs.
📅 Book now and make your event unforgettable! →
Ready to transform your dining experience? 🍽️✨ Sign up for our Savor Transform 10-Day Challenge and enjoy exclusive perks, special offers, and unforgettable meals! 🌱💚
👉 Join now: Savor Transform
Craving healthy and delicious meals? 🌱🍽️ Be sure to stop by our Savor Restaurant to satisfy your plant-based cravings!🌍💚