They say you are what you eat, and what you consume indeed has a huge impact on our health. So, when focusing on health, you should first consider your diet, which means you may want to avoid the following 17 most harmful snacks to your body!
Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Tangy Chili Fusion
Cheetos are one of America’s favorite snacks, but when you look at the nutritional information for Flamin’ Hot Tangy Chili Fusion, you may want to skip this flavor. It contains absurd levels of fat and sodium, as well as the harmful dyes Red 40 and Yellow 5.
Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts have become one of the most popular breakfast snacks in the US, but many factors make them harmful to our bodies. They contain ultra-processed ingredients, such as refined flour and soybean flour, in addition to three types of refined sugar. That’s hardly a smart way to start your day!
Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips
We love Fritos, but this variation features maltodextrin as one of its top ingredients. The National Institutes of Health states that maltodextrin is an intestinal stressor and is also linked to altering the gut microbiome, which we now understand is a cornerstone of our overall health.
Hot Pockets
Although Hot Pockets may be a convenient snack, they basically have no nutritional value. In place, they contain processed meats, unhealthy fats, refined grains, and high levels of sodium, which are almost 30% of your RDA. They may be tasty, but they’re certainly not good for you.
Twinkies
Considered a sugar bomb, Twinkies have literally zero nutrition. Each cake has a staggering 32g of added sugar, with no fiber to slow its absorption. Not only do Twinkies spike your blood sugar, but they also contain trans fats, which are known for their negative health effects.
Snack Pack Pudding
While the packaging of Snack Pack Puddings boasts that they contain real milk, they also contain some harmful ingredients. Palm oil is a major ingredient of these high-sugar desserts, an ingredient that is 50% saturated fat. They also feature a large number of other highly processed ingredients.
Nutella
Nutella contains a whopping 21g of sugar per serving, an extremely unhealthy amount for a tablespoon. However, that’s unsurprising, considering it’s made primarily from sugar and palm oil. There is no denying that Nutella is moreish, and it’s easy to have multiple servings in one sitting, so be careful!
Gushers
Unfortunately, while gushers are a nostalgic treat that always satisfies a sweet tooth, They can have a negative impact on your health. Packed with artificial dyes, they contain Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. According to the Environmental Health Journal, these dyes have potential neurobehavioural impacts, especially in kids.
Orville Redenbacher’s Pour Over Movie Theater Butter Popcorn
Popcorn is a pretty healthy snack on its own. However, when toppings, seasonings, and flavorings are added, it quickly becomes unhealthy. Take Orville Redenbacher’s, for example; this brand of butter popcorn is particularly unhealthy, as it contains a mammoth 330 mg of sodium and 4.5g of saturated fat!
Nutrigrain
Advertised as a good source of calcium and iron, Nutrigain is often considered a healthy snack. Made with 8g of whole grains, it also sounds pretty filling, but it only has 1g of fiber and 2g of protein. The extensive ingredient list, a huge sign of an unhealthy product, features many preservatives and additives.
Flavored Yogurt
Yogurt is commonly thought of as healthy, but unless it’s plain yogurt, it’s unlikely to be. Flavored yogurts are packed with sugar, sweeteners, additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. Added sugar is usually one of the top ingredients, and it is easy to overeat when you assume you’re eating something healthy.
Oreos
Oreos may be one of America’s most popular snacks, but they contain many ingredients that are considered harmful. The National Library of Medicine claims that Oreos contain partially hydrogenated oils that are linked to heart disease and high fructose corn syrup, an artificial sweetener linked to multiple health problems. Yikes.
Smoothies
Packed with fruit and sometimes vegetables, smoothies are considered to have high nutritional value. However, drinking them is one of the quickest ways to increase your calorie consumption. Some have up to 700 calories, quickly putting you in a calorie surplus. Store-bought smoothies are also typically packed with added sugar.
French Fries
Whether eaten as a snack or a side, there is no denying that french fries are unhealthy. Fried foods are considered to be potential carcinogens and may increase your risk of cancer. They’re quick and delicious, but regular consumption can seriously impact your health.
Sodas
Sodas and soft drinks typically have little to no nutritional content, yet they’re still packed with calories, sugars, and harmful ingredients. Featuring artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and flavorings, soda consumption has been linked to diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. No thanks!
Little Debbie Creme Pies
Did you know that Little Debbie Creme Pies contain a staggering 40 grams of added sugar? Of those 40 grams, 9g are saturated fats, which is scary. The American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 13g of saturated fats per day for good heart health, and this snack puts you close to the limit.
Energy Drinks
Perhaps the worst snack for your body is energy drinks. Sure, they’re great for your energy, but they’re terrible for your health. Not only do they contain excessive caffeine which can cause dehydration, but they are also connected to heart health and give you a higher risk of diabetes. Better to stick to a regular coffee.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.
19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE