FoodHarmful to men and the best substitutes for each
Some foods are harmful for men and can increase the risk of heart attacks,weight gainand digestive disorders. This section focuses on health and wellnessSelMagzSo that you can discover if you still have some of them in your cupboard and should quickly remove them from your diet plan. Along with introducing these harmful foods, we also provide suggestions for healthier alternatives to adopt a healthy diet.
Table Salt
Salt is essential for health, but table salt and the salt in processed foods are not the same as the natural salt your body needs. In fact, table salt, which contains 98% sodium chloride, is harmful. Avoid processed foods that are high in sodium and low inpotassiumIf you are over 51 years old,have high blood pressurehave kidney disease ordiabetesyou should limit your salt intake to less than 1500 milligrams per day.
Instead, choose unrefined and pure salt like sea salt (along with a natural and complete diet). Natural unrefined salt contains about 84% sodium chloride and also has other trace minerals that help nutrients be absorbed by your cells and ensure your brain functions properly.
Margarine
Margarine is rich in unhealthy fats known as trans fats. Margarine is made by processing liquid vegetable oils and hydrogenating them into a solid fat. These fats can lead to heart disease, cancer, hormonal imbalances, and bone problems, and in addition, they are laden with additives.
Instead, choose natural butter made from grass-fed cows, which contains conjugated linoleic acid that can help fight cancer and diabetes. While butter is high in saturated fat and calories, it is a healthier choice compared to margarine if you don’t have specific health issues.
Canned Tomatoes Tomatoes are one of the best foods for you, as they are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which is essential for fighting cancer. The problem is not with the tomatoes themselves, but rather the canning process complicates things. These canned goods often contain a substance called bisphenol A, which enters the tomatoes during the acidification process. This toxic chemical can be a factor in nerve problems, heart disease, and more. It’s best to remove other canned foods from your diet as well, as they may also contain this harmful substance.
Instead, use fresh tomato sauces or homemade paste, or choose those packaged without BPA.
Processed Meats
A sandwich with processed meat seems delicious, but many edible meats come from animals that have been given
growth hormonesandantibioticsand contain high fats and byproducts. Processed meats contain sodium nitrite and also chemical colorings and flavorings. Nitrites are associated with certain types of cancer, especiallycolon cancer.Instead, opt for organic meats or wild-caught fish likesalmon
Fatty fish are rich in omega-three fatty acids and hence are great choices for men.Heated OilsUsing vegetable oils like canola,
corn
andsoyis heart-healthy, but when heated at high temperatures, these oils become some of the worst for your heart. Excessive heat damages the oil and can transform good cholesterol into bad cholesterol, leading to cancer and heart disease.Instead, choose cooking withcoconut oil
as it does not get damaged from heat. Use vegetable oil andolive oilfor salads.Microwave PopcornPopcorn is a healthy, low-calorie fiber snack, but not when prepared in the microwave. The coating on microwave popcorn contains perfluorooctanoic acid. This chemical enters the corn and disrupts the endocrine system, leading to issues like
thyroid disease
high levels of bad cholesterol, and suppression of the immune system. The root of all these problems lies in the coating on the corn.Instead, use popcorn machines or even make this popular treat on the stovetop.Strawberries,
applesand other non-organic fruitsMany fruits and vegetables are laden with pesticides, herbicides, and even fungicides. Every year, produce is tested for pesticide levels to provide guidance for buyers and consumers to make informed purchases based on their finances.
According to the 2016 guidelines, the following products have the highest contamination and it’s better to buy them organic:ApplesCeleryCherries
Grapes
Hot Peppers
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Kale
- Be cautious about foods contaminated with pesticide residues
- Pesticides make them non-organic and produce the worst foods for men, increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues. Instead, choose organic products or those with the least pesticide residues, including:
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- CabbageCantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Sweet Corn
Eggplant
Grapefruit
- Cantaloupe
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Onion
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Soy
- Soy appears healthy, but did you know that 90-95% of the soy grown undergoes genetic engineering to isolate soy protein so they can withstand pesticides? Isolated soy protein is found in many other products like protein bars, juices, soups, sauces, baby food, supplements, and other protein shakes. While these materials have a protein texture and natural flavor, they are the worst food for men with thyroid issues, mental problems, cancer, and heart disease.
- Instead, choose fermented soy products, which are the only soy products with health benefits. Fermented soy products include soy sauce, fermented bean paste, miso, and tempeh (some of which may not be readily available).
- White Chocolate
- White chocolate is technically not chocolate; it is mostly cocoa butter, a vegetable fat made from cocoa beans, mixed with some milk fats, milk solids, sugar, and vanilla to taste good, but unfortunately, it has none of the health benefits of
- cocoa.
- Instead,
- choose dark chocolate
that has antioxidants and plant-based nutrients beneficial for brain health, mood, concentration, and blood vessels. The higher the cocoa content, the darker the chocolate and the greater its health benefits.
Artificial Sweeteners
People use artificial sweetenersfor weight loss,but studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can have the opposite effect. A recent study on
aspartame
and saccharin showed that they lead to more weight gain than sugar.Instead, try to consume foods that have less sweetness. When craving something sweet, you can eat some organic fruit or choose items made with real sugar instead of chemical additives.Avoiding the Worst Foods for MenIn general, look for completely organic foods. To prevent consuming these chemicals, avoid processed foods. Following these tips can help men have a healthy heart,
reduce cholesteroland decrease the risk of cancer and diabetes.**All of these recommendations are general and should not be used for individuals with specific health issues without consulting a doctor.**
Harmful Foods
Harmful foods for menMargarineBeneficial nutrition for men Processed meat sandwichBeneficial foods for men
Popcorn
Harmful snacks for men
Fruits
Nutritious foods for menSoyHarmful nutrition for men
White chocolate
