5 ‘unhealthy’ foods that are actually OK to eat

What seems like it should be the simplest thing in the world – knowing what to eat – isn’t always so dry and dry. Some foods that have gotten a bad reputation before turn out to be not so bad after all. But it can be hard to decipher what is and isn’t OK to eat when the rules seem to keep changing.

These five foods were considered questionable for a while, but today health experts say they deserve a second chance, because they really are Are healthy. But keep in mind that those same experts say that as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to eat whole foods that are nutrient-dense, unprocessed, and free of chemical additives.

Eggs

While they’ve previously gotten a bad rap for their cholesterol content, it seems that expert opinion on eggs has come full circle. These individual-sized powerhouses contain a whopping 6 grams of protein and only 75 calories per serving. An excellent source of vitamins A, D, B12 and choline, eggs are a healthy option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Although they contain about 210 milligrams of cholesterol, the cholesterol in eggs does not negatively affect the body in the same way as other sources of cholesterol. Just don’t regularly eat eggs with other “best-in-moderation” foods like cheese, butter, or bacon.

Bread

Despite what the critics say, not all carbs are bad, and consuming bread is typically A-OK. Whole wheat or wholemeal bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, as well as B vitamins, magnesium and iron. Whole-grain products help lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease and, due to their fiber content, can provide a feeling of fullness that can help with weight loss. In total, whole-wheat slices should provide you with about five grams of fiber.

Be sure to swap white bread for a whole-grain alternative to maximize your nutritional intake. Look for labels with simple, recognizable ingredients and watch out for added sugars.

Soy

In some ways, soy has been hailed as a health food, known to calm hot flashes, protect against osteoporosis and some hormonal cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. However, there are other schools of thought that say too much of it can be a bad thing. Part of the confusion about the health benefits of soybeans stems from the ways it has been studied. However, scientists largely agree that this nutritious source of protein is safe to consume several times a week. This is especially true when used to replace eating other animal proteins that are high in saturated fat. Experts say to focus on consuming whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu and soy milk, instead of soy protein powders.

Peanuts

Peanuts are rich in protein and fiber and were historically shunned due to their high fat content. However, most of the fats they contain are “good fats” that can help lower cholesterol levels. You may be surprised to learn that peanuts are not actually nuts, they are classified as legumes along with soybeans, lentils and green peas. These little nuggets of goodness are known to prevent the formation of small blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Red meat

Given that it has had a bad reputation for years, red meat is actually quite healthy when eaten in moderation. A great source of vitamin B12 and zinc, red meat comes from non-avian mammals such as cows and bison.

Beef protein is complete, meaning it contains the essential amino acids that people need from food. However, it can also be high in saturated fat, which can have adverse health effects. Whenever possible, choose lean, unprocessed cuts of meat that are hormone-free, organic, or free-range to help boost the health factor. Processed meats, such as processed meats, are high in nitrates and sodium, which can be bad for you. When eating red meat, make sure to limit consumption to a maximum of 2 servings per week.

This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for more stories.

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