As the proverb "bitter medicine is good for the body" suggests, foods with strong and stimulating flavors can burden one's health. Experts agree that it is best not to consume highly processed foods or those high in sugar and sodium in excess.
Carbonated and Fruit Drinks Are All Sugary Beverages, Raising Risks of Obesity and Diabetes
The Times of India, an Indian daily newspaper, recently introduced seven foods that doctors avoid whenever possible.
A representative example is sugary beverages such as carbonated drinks, iced tea, fruit drinks, and energy drinks. Frequently drinking beverages containing added sugar, such as cola or cider, over a long period can raise the risk not only of metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes but also of cardiovascular disease. This is because continuous sugar intake can raise blood triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. The risk of tooth decay cannot be overlooked either.
Processed meat is also always cited as a food doctors avoid. Processed meats such as ham, sausage, and bacon are high in sodium, and the nitrites used in the coloring process may combine with amines in the body to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as a "carcinogen to humans" (Group 1), the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Instant ready-to-eat foods and cup noodles, which can be eaten conveniently, were also mentioned as foods requiring caution. The American Heart Association classifies frozen pizza and instant pasta as representative ultra-processed foods, warning that they can be high in sodium, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. Cup noodles in particular are high in sodium, raising concerns that frequent consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Only Unsweetened Yogurt Is a Health Food; Watch for Added Sugar in Fruit-Flavored and Drinkable Yogurt
Salty snacks like potato chips are also hard to free from sodium concerns. Snacks containing salt, refined carbohydrates, and fat together are considered a combination that easily induces overeating. Sweet desserts such as cookies and cakes can also be a major cause of increased added sugar intake. The so-called "sweet-and-salty" eating habit of alternately seeking salty and sweet foods can also burden one's health.
Yogurt is perceived as a health food, but not all products are the same. Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt without sugar can be a relatively healthy choice. On the other hand, fruit-flavored yogurt, drinkable yogurt, and products containing granules may contain a lot of added sugar, so it is advisable to check the ingredient label.
