In an ideal world, you’d enjoy the most natural, organic versions of different foods without worrying about your health or weight. However, with so much processing and environmental pollution, you have to be extra careful about what you’re putting into your body. 

The best foods for your health are nutritionally dense and minimally processed. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll have to avoid calorie-dense foods as well. To help you decide what should make up a majority of your meals, here is a list of the top 7 foods to avoid for better health. 

Processed Meats 

Processed meats are filled with saturated fats, artificial flavors, chemicals and sodium. They can lead to heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Some studies have also linked them to cancer because of the amount of sodium nitrate used in processed meats.

Microwave Popcorn

Since microwave popcorn is low in fiber and healthy nutrients like vitamins and minerals, it can contribute to weight gain by making you feel hungrier than when you started snacking on it. It is also laced with substances such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been associated with infertility in humans and animals as well as having adverse effects on the liver.

Fruit Canned In Syrup

Fruits canned in syrup pack a huge load of sugar and calories that can contribute to weight gain and high blood pressure, which is not good for your heart health. They usually contain harmful artificial colors and flavors as well as preservatives such as sodium benzoate and sulfites, both of which have been linked to asthma. 

Processed Cheese

“American cheese” or processed cheeses are full of additives like flavors, coloring agents, emulsifiers, preservatives and texturizers. Due to the fat content from milk, natural cheeses are healthier because they provide calcium but little saturated fat. Moreover, many people who eat processed cheese are also eating processed meats, fried foods and sugary snacks at the same time, which can lead to weight gain.

Diet Soda

Although diet soda doesn’t contain sugar or calories, it does not mean that it is good for your health. The sweet taste of these beverages has been shown to make people feel hungrier while affecting their metabolism in a negative way. Aspartame, sucralose and saccharin are ingredients added to regular drinks to make them “diet” versions but all have been associated with different types of cancer. 

Conventionally Raised Chicken And Eggs

To avoid the presence of pesticide residue on eggs, you should purchase organic eggs because conventionally raised chicken contains traces of pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones. In fact, conventionally raised chicken has been shown to contain arsenic, a compound that is associated with cancer in humans.

Fish High In Mercury 

Mercury is a heavy metal that you should avoid because it can cause nervous system damage which can lead to vision problems and brain damage. Seafood such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel and marlin have elevated levels of mercury so they should be avoided or eaten in moderation if you wish to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Bottom Line 

It’s unfortunate that many of the foods we eat can be detrimental to our health in one way or another. This is why it’s important to know what you’re putting into your body when you swallow something with flavor and color because, when it comes down to it, all food has the ability to either nourish your body or poison it.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!