Foods to Avoid in a Health Food Store
These may be foods that we think of being healthy but think twice.
Agave
Agave is actually fructose syrup which is not good for your health (just like high fructose corn syrup). It’s highly processed and refined and thus has very little nutritional value. Stevia is a better sweetener option.
Carageenan
Carageenan is a food additive from red seaweed. Often, it is found in almond or non-dairy milk as well as ice cream. It’s a thickening agent that makes things creamy. Research is showing that it can cause inflammation in the digestive system and should thus be avoided.
Yogurt
Most yogurts are high in sugar and have fillers such as gelatin, modified corn starch and carrageenan. Be especially weary of the products that are heavily advertised on TV. Always read the ingredients. If you are dairy tolerant, you should consume yogurt that is not non-fat and that is plain. 2+% plain Greek style yogurts are your best option because it contains good fats and protein. If you want to take it one step further, finding yogurt made from grass-fed cow’s would actually make it a super food. Grass-fed milk contains more anti-inflammatory omega 3 than conventional milk.
Fish
Fish contain omega 3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and protect the heart from cardiovascular disease. However, farmed fish are often fed with artificial colour. This is what makes farmed salmon pink. Instead, you should choose wild-caught smaller fish like sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herring because they contain much less mercury.