By Lori Rice
Butter versus Margarine
Butter was eliminated from most recommendations for healthy eating some years ago due to an assumed link between saturated fat and cholesterol and heart disease. What researchers now realize is that the margarine used to replace butter contains compounds that are even more harmful than butter ever was. Margarine is made from vegetable oils and in order to make these oils solid it must undergo a process called hydrogenation. The chemical processes involved in this create trans fats. It turns out trans fats from margarine are worse for the heart than those fats found in butter. While some experts still feel you should avoid both, much debate exists about the use of vegetable oils as a butter replacement. Your best action for the time being is to choose olive oil most often and butter over margarine.
Heart-Healthy Chocolate
You will have to develop a preference for the dark stuff if you look to chocolate for its health benefits. However, it still falls into a category of foods that was once seen as only an indulgence and now may actually be nutritious. Cacao from which chocolate is made contains flavonoids. These act as antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from free radical damage, which in turn promotes heart health. Dark chocolate is less processed, helping it to retain some of these antioxidant properties. In addition, when making an effort to lose weight through diet the allowance of chocolate can curb cravings giving you the motivation you need to stick to your plan.
Choose dark chocolate and make sure it is at least 60 percent, however, 70 percent and even higher is better. Limit yourself to a 1-oz. piece a few times a week, due to the fact that it does contain extra calories, especially if you are on a weight loss plan. Choose high-quality dark chocolate, which often costs more than other chocolates. Many less-expensive brands can contain unnecessary sweeteners and additives such as high fructose corn syrup so be sure to check the ingredient labels.
Carbohydrates from Grains
In recent years carbohydrates have been targeted as a popular nutrient source to eliminate from the diet in order to lose weight. It is true that reducing refined carbohydrates made with white flours offering little nutritional value and refined sugars offering only unnecessary calories can be beneficial for health, but all carbohydrates are not created equal. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and are needed for it to function properly. In addition, many of the carbohydrates being cut for weight loss also offered valuable fiber, which promotes a healthy gastrointestinal system. Whole grains are a welcomed form of carbohydrates and a healthy food. Choose unrefined varieties such as whole grain breads made fresh by you or a local bakery. Include steel cut oats or oat bran for your breakfast. Use flours such as amaranth, buckwheat and millet in your baking. Choose quinoa, brown or black rice and wheat berries for meals.
Healthy Foods That You Thought Were Not Healthy originally published on LIVESTRONG.COM
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