Nutrition is a crucial aspect of the pursuit of health that helps us live better as we age. For this reason, for many years, large food companies have been offering “healthier” options or labeling them as “light” to provide a supposedly less harmful alternative. However, several experts have pointed out that these labels often don’t actually represent healthier products. Dr. David Céspedes, for example, warns that some of these products can be more detrimental to our health than we realize, promoting inflammation and affecting key organs such as the heart and kidneys.
The “trilogy” of ingredients falsely labeled as healthy, which actually cause inflammation
Nutritionists often warn about these kinds of potential “traps” set by some brands that hide a series of ingredients behind the “light” label, ingredients that are also bad for our bodies. Well-known nutritionist Pablo Ojeda specifically addressed one of these foods, yogurt, in a video posted on his Instagram account. “It says 0%, but your gut says 100% inflammation,” the nutritionist says, alluding to the “trilogy” of ingredients falsely labeled as healthy, which actually cause inflammation. According to him and other experts, these “light” products often contain ingredients that disrupt the gut microbiota and promote abdominal bloating.
“These alter your gut microbiota and promote abdominal inflammation”
For his part, Dr. Céspedes explains that the problem lies not only in the food itself, but also in its high degree of processing and the amount of additives, low-quality fats, and hidden sugars it contains. What is supposedly sold as a product that helps take care of your health may contain sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame K, elements that, according to Ojeda, “alter your gut microbiota and promote abdominal inflammation.” Choosing what to take home is not a matter of aesthetics or nutritional fads, but a direct decision about our medium- and long-term health. Of course, prices must also be taken into account, since not everyone can afford to buy certain products.
Experts remind us that regular consumption of margarine can damage arteries and promote heart disease
One of the products that often generates the most controversy is lactose, in any of its forms. For example, one product that many people avoid altogether, or at least try to buy the light or 0% fat version of, is commercially produced margarine. Although for years it was promoted as a plant-based alternative to butter, it is now known that trans fats are clearly associated with increased systemic inflammation, higher LDL cholesterol, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Along the same lines, Dr. Ojeda also warns that when yogurt is completely fat-free, it prevents the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are essential for the body. Experts also remind us that regular consumption of margarine can damage arteries and promote heart disease.
Reducing our consumption of ultra-processed foods should be a top priority if we aim to maintain a healthy body. Preventing these foods from entering our homes is a crucial first step. Experts also point out that these products, to compensate for the texture lost due to the lack of fat, incorporate added starches that mimic natural creaminess. And these ingredients are equally harmful. They cause spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to indigestion, decreased energy, and bloating.
Finally, there’s a common belief that turkey is healthier than other processed meats. However, this isn’t entirely true either. Far from being lean meat, many of these processed meats are full of additives, starches, sugars, salt, and preservatives, with a surprisingly low percentage of actual meat. In other words, ingredients that don’t contribute to anything beneficial for our bodies. It’s advisable to choose quality fats, natural dairy products without added sugar, and real protein. And above all, read the ingredient list of food products; the shorter the list, the better the option for your health.