The importance of being aware of the hidden dangers in these 5 snack foods
Snacking has become an essential part of our daily routine. Whether we are at work, on the go, or at home, we often find ourselves reaching for snacks to curb our hunger. Unfortunately, not all snacks are created equal. While some are healthy and can help us stay full and energized, others can cause digestive problems, weight gain, and other health issues. In this article, we will discuss some of the worst grocery store snacks for your health, as identified by Dr. Gundry, a well-known nutritionist and author. We will explore the dangers of these snacks and suggest healthier alternatives that can help you achieve your health goals.
1. Dried Fruit: A High-Calorie Sugar Bomb
Dried fruit is often considered a healthy snack option. After all, it contains nutrients like fiber and vitamins. However, many people don't realize that dried fruit is also a high-calorie sugar bomb. Even a handful of dried fruit can spike your blood sugar and lead to weight gain. Additionally, many dried fruits are preserved using sulfites, which can cause digestive problems in some people. Therefore, it's best to avoid snacking on dried fruit and opt for fresh fruit instead.
2. Veggie Chips: A Scam in Disguise
Veggie chips are often marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. However, once these veggies are processed into chips, they're fried in unhealthy oils and often doused in salt. As a result, you're left with an unhealthy snack that's high in fat, high in calories, and low in nutrients. Therefore, it's best to avoid veggie chips altogether and opt for healthier snack options like fresh vegetables with hummus or guacamole.
3. Yogurt: The Ice Cream in Disguise
Yogurt can be a healthy snack option if you know what to look for. Unfortunately, many of the best-selling yogurts in the grocery store contain added sugar and cow's milk dairy. As a result, these so-called healthy snacks are actually more like ice cream in disguise. Instead, opt for sheep or goat's milk yogurt, which doesn't contain the potentially dangerous A1 protein found in cow's milk. Additionally, make sure your yogurt doesn't contain any added sugar. Coconut-based yogurt is also a great option as it contains no dairy or lactose and does contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can help you lose weight.
4. Nuts: Tricky and Not Created Equal
Nuts can be a healthy snack option, but not all nuts are created equal. For example, peanuts are loaded with lectins, nature's pesticide that can poke little holes in your intestinal gut lining. Cashews are also loaded with lectins and come from the same plant family as poison ivy. As a result, they contain nasty substances that nature designed for us to stay away from. However, almonds are a great nut to snack on as they don't contain gut-busting lectins. Just make sure your almonds are blanched, meaning they have the skin removed. Almond skin contains something called phytic acid, which is considered an anti-nutrient because it prevents your body from absorbing nutrients it needs.
5. String Cheese: Not as Bad as Other Cheese Options
String cheese may seem like an odd choice for a healthy snack, but it's actually not as bad as other grocery store cheeses. It's basically just heat-treated mozzarella cheese. The problem is that string cheese, like most snack cheeses, is made using A1 casein cow's milk protein. This protein is famous for causing indigestion, weight gain, and even improper immune responses. Fortunately, there are more and more cheese options these days made from alternative sources like casein A2 milk, goat's milk, and even plant-based sources.