It seems that every few years, food that used to be touted for its health benefits is now actually considered unhealthy. Nutrition is an ever-changing field, as new studies and the effects of various types of foods are discovered. Some of the foods that we now know are beneficial to our bodies were once foods to be avoided at all costs. Here is a list of once unhealthy foods that are now considered healthy.
Fats
It used to be a commonly held belief that eating fats would make you fat. Your body needs fats to lose weight and function properly. Consuming healthy fats helps maximize your metabolism, protect against heart disease and increase satiety. Some examples of foods high in healthy fats are avocado, nuts, Greek yogurt and whole eggs.
Eggs
In the past, eggs were considered unhealthy because they’re high in cholesterol. It was believed that eating them increased your risk of developing heart disease. However, new research shows that our bodies cholesterol levels aren’t impacted by the dietary cholesterol content in the food but instead the types of fats that we eat. The yolk contains the nutrient choline which helps to boost your metabolism and also contains vitamins B12 and D, folate and riboflavin.
Potatoes
Because potatoes are full of carbs, they became an unhealthy food when low-carb diets became mainstream. While it’s true potatoes are full of carbs, they’re unrefined carbs, which are filling and keep you feeling fuller longer than oatmeal and brown rice. The vegetable is also full of vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
Nuts
Because nuts are full of saturated fats, it was thought they would increase your risk of heart disease if you ate them often. While nuts are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation if you’re watching your weight, they’re also linked to lower rates of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Nuts are also full of fiber, monounsaturated fats, magnesium, calcium, iron and omega-3s.
Fruit
Fruit is high in sugar, which makes some people believe that cutting it out of their diet is the best option. However, the body processes natural sugars much differently than table sugar. The sugar found in fruit doesn’t spike the body’s insulin level in the same way. Plus, drinks and snacks containing table sugar are also full of preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients, while fruit is full of fiber, vitamins and other nutrients, making it an all-around better choice.