What is a Healthy Kitchen?
Let's Discuss, Food Items That Don't Deserve to Be Part of a Healthy Kitchen
1. Packaged Juices
2. White Sugar
3. White Bread
4. Diet Soda
Why is phosphoric acid used in Cola drinks?
The two most common acids used in soft drinks are citric acid and phosphoric acid. Citric acid is found in citrus-flavored soft drinks like Sprite, Crush, and Mountain Dew. Phosphoric acid is found in darker sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Phosphoric acids as an acidifying agent are used because they provide tartness, give a tangy flavor, and add acidity to your beloved cola drinks. Phosphoric acid also prevents and reduces the growth of bacteria and fungi, and improves the shelf-life of sodas. Phosphoric acid is commonly used for removing surface rust from ferrous metals and provides some protection against subsequent re-rusting. The use of phosphoric acid is carefully regulated to ensure it meets consumer health and safety standards for consumption and is added in very small amounts to achieve the desired flavor without making the beverage harmful.
5. Energy Drinks
- Caffeine
- Ginseng
- B Vitamins
- Taurine
- Green Coffee Extract
- Carnitine
- Beta-alanine
6. Non-dairy Coffee Creamer
7. Corn Syrup
Difference between corn syrup, HFCS, and simple sugar?
Corn syrup is pure glucose, a simple sugar molecule, while HFCS is a corn syrup that has been further treated with enzymes to break down some of the glucose into another common sugar called fructose (Fructose is considered the sweetest of the common sugars). Table sugar consists mainly of sucrose – a molecule that contains both glucose and fructose and is obtained from sugar cane.
8. Fried Foods, Commercially Baked Goods, and Most Processed Foods
What are healthy Fats?
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils are types of unsaturated fats that are considered heart-healthy because they can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.
Polyunsaturated oils, such as soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, walnut oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil, are known for their heart-healthy properties. These oils are used in various culinary applications, from frying to salad dressings.
Monounsaturated oils, including olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, macadamia nut oil, and hazelnut oil, are also considered heart-healthy options. They are widely used in cooking, frying, baking, and salad preparations.
9. Vegetable Shortening
Are Trans Fats Artificially Made?
Yes, trans fats are artificially made through an industrial process known as hydrogenation. In this process, hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to make it more saturated, resulting in the conversion of healthy liquid oils into solid or semi-solid fats. This hydrogenation process is used to improve the texture, shelf life, and stability of foods. Artificial trans fats are commonly found in processed and fried foods, as well as many baked goods.
10. Packaged Ramen Noodles
Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is used as an antioxidant in various processed foods, including packaged Ramen noodles. TBHQ is a common ingredient that prevents fat oxidation from food items. Fat oxidation can cause the foods to lose flavor, change color, and deplete their nutritional value.
11. Processed Meat
“An analysis of data from 10 studies estimated that every 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18%.”
How does processed and red meat cause cancer?
12. Nachos
13. Canned Fruits
14. Ready-to-eat Breakfast Cereals
15. Doughnuts, Cakes, and Pastries
What are High Glycemic Index (GI) Foods?
Foods that are broken down quickly by your body and cause a rapid increase in blood glucose have a high GI rating. All sugary foods and beverages have a high glycemic index.