7 Superfoods That Aren’t as Healthy as You Think
Think twice before reaching for these so-called superfoods—some are hiding more sugar, fat, and calories than you'd expect!
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Not every superfood is as wholesome as it appears—some are hiding behind added sugars, bad fats, and empty calories that will sabotage your diet. From sweet acai bowls to deceptively named veggie chips, these trendy favorites have health halos that aren’t quite living up to their nutrition labels. Discovering the truth about these foods can enable you to make wiser, more well-rounded decisions for optimal health.
1. Agave Syrup
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Typically sold as a healthy sweetener compared to sugar, agave syrup contains high levels of fructose—sometimes as high as 90%! Too much fructose leads to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and more belly fat. Although lower on the glycemic index, it’s best to use this sparingly, too.
2. Coconut Oil
Image from Healthline
Coconut oil is extolled for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), yet it’s more than 80% saturated fat. Daily use can elevate LDL or bad cholesterol levels, which means heart disease risk increases. Eating in small portions is okay but not the wonder oil it’s made out to be.
3. Acai Bowls
Image from Dinner at the Zoo
These healthy-looking Instagram bowls are usually loaded with added honey, granola, and sweetened fruits containing sugar. One serving can contain more than 500 calories and raise your blood sugar levels. Use unsweetened bases and monitor your toppings to maintain the healthiness of it.
4. Almond Milk
Image from Stephanie Lee Nutrition
Although low in calories, commercial almond milk contains only a few almonds and is filled with water, sugar, and additives such as carrageenan, which has been linked to digestive problems. Nutritionally, it’s not as rich as it tastes, providing scant protein or healthful fat. For a healthier alternative, opt for unsweetened, fortified varieties.
5. Veggie Chips
Image from Stephanie Kay Nutrition
Just because they contain vegetables does not necessarily mean they are healthy. Most vegetable chips are fried and contain as much fat and salt as regular potato chips. If you have a craving for crunch, try air-dried or baked ones with low sodium.
6. Protein Bars
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Most protein bars are candy bars in disguise, filled with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. Some contain more calories and sugar than a chocolate bar, defeating their health halo. Always read the label and choose bars with few whole-food ingredients.
7. Dried Fruit
Image from Wikipedia
Dried fruit sounds healthy but often comes with added sugars and preservatives. Plus, it’s easy to overeat since the water content is removed, making the calories and sugar more concentrated. Stick to unsweetened varieties and watch portion sizes to avoid a sugar overload.