Can you believe what was once unhealthy is now healthy? Scientific studies are being conducted on thousands of items of food that we consume every day. Some of these studies show how these once deemed unhealthy foods are not as detrimental to your health as initially thought. Below are just a few examples of what was once considered an unhealthy food item is now being hailed by science as healthy.
Eggs
Eggs were once considered a dietary taboo and thought to clog arteries, which could lead to heart attacks or strokes. However, new research give individuals the green light to consume eggs on a daily basis, some are even calling eggs a superfood. One egg contains healthy amounts of unsaturated fats, high-quality protein and 13 essential minerals and vitamins for only 75 calories. Although the yolk contains 213 milligrams of dietary cholesterol, consuming one whole egg several times per week is acceptable as long as other foods high in cholesterol are limited.
Pork
Pork has long been demonized as a fatty, unhealthy, poor choice of food. However, if you are familiar with the right cuts such as boneless loin chops, tenderloin and center cut bacon, pork is superior to chicken as a source of complete protein. On lean, well trimmed cuts, a pork tenderloin is just as lean as a skinless chicken breast. Pork cuts taken from the loin such as pork roast or pork chops are lower in fat and calories than a skinless chicken thigh. Aside from its low fat and calorie content, pork is also a good source of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6.
Coffee
You may have heard that drinking this caffeinated beverage is bad for your health, although new scientific research states differently. Of course, consuming too much caffeine can cause insomnia and jitteriness, but scientists have discovered that drinking coffee on a regular basis can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer and even headaches. One study in particular shows that individuals who drink 2 cups of coffee per day have a 20% fewer risk of developing colon cancer than individuals who drink none. Although more research is needed, many health experts believe that coffee’s health benefits outweigh its negatives.
Potatoes
When the low-carb diet craze hit the public, potatoes were cast to the wayside. However, when prepared properly, potatoes are a versatile, nutritious and inexpensive food that should have a place in your diet. One medium skin-on potato contains only 160 calories and is high in fiber and potassium. Potatoes should be enjoyed on a constant basis when they are roasted, baked or mashed. When enjoying potatoes, be aware of adding fatty toppings such as shredded cheese, butter and sour cream, which can add hundreds of calories and unnecessary fat.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Studies have shown that dark chocolate contains potent antioxidants known as flavonoids similar to those found in fruits, vegetables, red wine and tea. Consuming a small amount of pure dark chocolate on a daily basis can help improve the flow of blood through vessels and capillaries in older adults, and may help improve insulin sensitivity.
Remember that no matter how healthy a food, consuming everything in moderation is key to healthy results. All of the above foods provide you with important nutrients and vitamins, but you can have too much of a good thing. Following a sound nutrition plan that is well- balanced in proteins, carbohydrates and fats can help you achieve and maintain optimal health.
This article was written by Sergeant Michael Volkin, inventor of Strength Stack 52 exercise cards, a unique way to transform bodyweight exercises into a fun and competitive workout.
25 Replies to "Surprise! Unhealthy is Now Healthy"
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
December 9, 2014 (7:37 am)
I always knew chocolate was good for me I was just waiting for everyone else to figure it out! LOL need a little bite everyday
o
Coco
Twitter: got2run4me
December 9, 2014 (8:09 am)
All the more reason to enjoy a balanced diet with a wide variety of food you love! I probably consume eggs, coffee and chocolate every day. 😉
o
Annmarie
Twitter: fitfoodiemama
December 9, 2014 (8:16 am)
Coffee and chocolate are two of my fav things! Love that they made the “healthy list” 🙂
o
Rosi
Twitter: PerfectlyFitt
December 9, 2014 (9:42 am)
I love that coffee is now healthy! 🙂 And I am always trying to convince my FIL about eggs but he just won’t believe it. As for pork, I appreciate that it is healthy but I just don’t enjoy it. Well, I love bacon, but that’s about it.
o
Sam
Twitter: PancakeWarrior_
December 9, 2014 (11:17 pm)
Yum horray for coffee and dark chocolate back on the healthy list 🙂 I’ve always considered them healthy since without them I’m not a very nice person 🙂 LoL. Just goes to prove all things in moderation (unless you have an allergy!)
o
Janelle
Twitter: Janelle_RWNR
December 10, 2014 (9:41 am)
It always seems that studies confict about what foods are good and bad for us. It can be so confusing! Potatoes still get a lot of flak! #wowlinkup
o
MCM Mama
Twitter: mcmmama
December 10, 2014 (10:03 am)
I’ve been eating potatoes again after years of avoiding them. I find them a more filling carb than pasta and use them as a base for many of my old pasta recipes. Eggs I never gave up…
o
Irene
Twitter: bebufffitness
December 10, 2014 (10:52 am)
I am paleo so I stay away from white potatoes, but I love me some baked sweet potato chips. I eat eggs 4-5 days out of the week. Love them!!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
December 10, 2014 (11:18 am)
I love eggs!
Amanda H
Twitter: eathardworkhard
December 10, 2014 (1:01 pm)
Mmm I love all these thing. Thanks for sharing! #wowlinkup
o
Whittney
Twitter: whittneyweekly
December 10, 2014 (5:38 pm)
yummm! I am soooo glad dark chocolate is on the list!!!! =) I also eat tons of eggs which I didn’t realize were once considered unhealthy…. interesting! Thanks for the read!
Sherry
Twitter: healthynfit4you
December 10, 2014 (6:04 pm)
Great information! Love eggs and dark chocolate! #wowlinkup
o
Earl-Leigh
Twitter: EarlLeighDesign
December 12, 2014 (8:18 am)
I like to live on the edge because I love all of those things and never stopped consuming them. Haha! Especially coffee…no one needs to be subjected to me being under-caffeinated. 😉 #wowlinkup
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
December 12, 2014 (10:03 am)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE dark chocolate. I am so glad that it is now “good” for me 🙂 #wowlinkup
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
December 12, 2014 (10:28 am)
I know right Heather?
Catherine
Twitter: FitArmadillo
December 14, 2014 (2:49 pm)
I remember when I was younger hearing about eggs being bad and not wanting to try them. Thankfully, I changed my mind. They are super yummy and I love hard boiled eggs as a quick, easy snack on the run. Can’t really complain about any of these being healthy, really 🙂 Thanks for sharing #wowlinkup
o
Amanda - RunToThefinish
Twitter: runtothefinish
December 22, 2014 (11:07 am)
yes!! it drives me crazy how things keep swinging in and out of fashion. I figure I know veggies are always good for me so if that can be the main part of my diet I’m good!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
December 22, 2014 (11:31 am)
Exactly Amanda.
Sandra Laflamme
Twitter: organicrunmom
December 22, 2014 (1:55 pm)
I love all of these foods especially eggs. It is so nice that these foods no longer get a bad rap!
o
Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader
Twitter: fitcheerldr
December 22, 2014 (2:49 pm)
Great post! I always find it interesting how food trends change over time.
o
Rebecca
Twitter: RebeccaGF666
December 22, 2014 (3:30 pm)
Well I’m all about the chocolate!
o
Kerri Olkjer
Twitter: kerriolkjer
December 22, 2014 (7:01 pm)
Eggs, coffee, and chocolate. Mmmm.
o
rachel December 22, 2014 (10:15 pm)
Very cool. And YAY! I like those items on your list:)
o
jill conyers
Twitter: jillconyers
December 23, 2014 (5:48 am)
It’s so hard to stay on top of eat this not that or the new health trend. It’s also hard to change a mindset. Like not fearing the fats took me forever! I eat 3 of the 5 on your list.
o
RFC
Twitter: runfastermommy
December 24, 2014 (8:47 am)
Great to hear! I am a vegetarian, but I do eat eggs (from local chickens). I eat them daily, and I sometimes do worry about the cholesterol.
o