Do you think smoothies and energy bars are healthy? Nutritionist reveals 10 food items that are unhealthy but are marketed as healthy

There are apparently many unhealthy food items that are marketed as healthy. Can you guess which one they are? (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Labels can be misleading, and not all “healthy” food is as clean as it may seem. By focusing first on whole, unprocessed ingredients and keeping an eye out for added sugars, you can build a diet that actually supports your body’s needs — not just whatever angle a food company is selling it from.
These days, you’re never just shopping for groceries. From protein bars to “natural” smoothies, these foods don the halo of health — yet not everything that appears nutritionally supportive is helping you reach your goals. Feel-good labels can obscure sugar, preservatives and refined ingredients as well behind smart marketing.

A lot of these “health” foods have been processed so the nutrients are stripped out of them and replaced with artificial flavorings/sugars or empty calories. How healthy you are is in your hands, literally — it’s not a matter of following trends but knowing what’s actually inside the food you’re eating. By reading ingredients lists, steering clear of hidden sugars and questioning health claims, you can make smarter decisions daily.

“Low-fat and organic can be confused with ‘healthy’. But that is not always the case,” says Dr. Neha Suri, clinical nutritionist and wellness expert. “Lots of packet health foods are processed, sugar-laden or fibre-stripped and not as nutritious as they seem.”

Granola Bars
Not only do these bars appear healthy, they typically contain high fructose corn syrup, processed sugar and trans fats. They are closer to candy bars than energy snacks. Opt for homemade granola with oats, nuts and honey for a cleaner version.

Flavored Yogurts
Yogurt is a great way to get probiotics, but flavoured kinds are often packed with added sugars and artificial fruit syrups. They also spike blood sugar levels rapidly. Choose unsweetened Greek yogurt and mix in real fruit or honey for sweetness.

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Veggie Chips
Most veggie chips, despite their retro name, are primarily potato starch and vegetable powder, not actual vegetables. They’re generally fried and salted to an excessive degree. “Roast real vegetables, like kale or carrots or whatever your favorite of those is,” says the expert.

Smoothies from Cafés
Store-bought smoothies can be packed with sugary syrups, ice cream, or sugared yogurts. And they can harbor more calories than a meal. Make your own at home using whole fruit, vegetables and unsweetened milk.

Low-Fat Salad Dressings
These dressings take the healthy fat out in favour of sugar, sodium and additives that are used to create flavour. The result is an unhealthy combination that works against any good your salad is doing for you. Create your own using olive oil, lemon and herbs.

Sports Drinks
These beverages are marketed to hydrate you but high in sugar and sodium—extra if you’re not exercising vigorously. Long-term use could cause weight gain. All you generally need is some water or coconut water.

Energy Bars
Full of calories, sugar and artificial ingredients, many energy bars are more like dessert than nutrition. Instead of long-term fuel, they might lead to a spike in energy followed by a crash. Go for bars made with natural ingredients like nuts and dates.

Packaged Fruit Juices
Even 100 percent pure juices are virtually devoid of the fiber found in whole fruit; in addition, they can be high in fructose. They may lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. Whole fruits are always the way to go.

Gluten-Free Snacks
Except if you are sensitive to gluten, these snacks may not be any healthier. They tend to be made with refined starches, extra fats for texture. Whole grain options are higher in fiber and contain more key nutrients.

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Frozen Yogurt
While it is lower in fat than ice cream, frozen yogurt is high in sugar and artificial flavoring. The fixings can hardly add as many calories. Indulge it on occasion with none of the sweet toppings.

FAQs on how unhealthy food is bad for our health:

Q: Why is unhealthy food bad for our body?
A: It’s often high in sugar, salt, and fat, which can lead to obesity and heart disease.

Q: How does junk food affect our energy levels?
A: It gives a quick energy boost but causes fatigue and low energy later.

Q: Can eating too much fast food cause long-term problems?
A: Yes, it increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases.

Q: Does unhealthy eating affect our brain?
A: Yes, poor diet can reduce concentration, memory, and mood.

Q: How can we reduce the effects of unhealthy food?
A: Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit processed foods.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.