5 "bad" habits that are actually good for you, according to doctors
Forget their reputation - it's time to rethink these health habits.
Too often, the things we used to believe were good for us Dangers to health . For example, coconut oil - once praised as a healthier alternative to other types of fat - goes with all the cardiovascular traps of its peers. Likewise, agave sweeteners - once considered a healthier replacement for table sugar - are higher in calories and no less likely to cause insulin resistance. Fortunately, the pendulum can also swing in the other direction: sometimes we learn that the health habits that we have formerly considered "bad" are in fact beneficial.
Better life Contacted a handful of doctors to find out which habits that have obtained a bad rap over the years are better for you than you think. Reach to know which five "bad" habits it can be time to reconsider, according to experts.
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1 Skip meals
Conventional wisdom tells us that we need three square meals a day (more snacks!) To be healthy. However, according to K. Mitchell Naficy , MD, a Family doctor With more than 29 years of clinical experience, eating less frequently can be beneficial.
"Intermittent fasting, which involves eating only during certain hours of the day, becomes more and more popular," he said Better life . "Although it may seem a bad idea to jump meals, it has in fact been linked to many health benefits, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity and an improvement in energy levels . "
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2 Eat red meat
Although many experts advise to eat a diet largely based on plants, Kellie K. Middleton , MD, MPH, a Orthopedic surgeon based in Atlanta , says that "eating red meat sometimes can also be beneficial for your health". Capturing? Moderation is the key.
Middleton says that it is because even if red meat is often rich in saturated fats and cholesterol, it "also contains a certain number of vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. These include iron, Zinc, vitamin B12 and selenium, all, all, essential to the proper functioning of our body. Eating beef nourished with grass can even reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease And cancer, "she adds.
3 Drinking
Coffee is frequently considered a vice - something we have to reduce or cut out completely . But Naficy says there are major advantages to your Joe daily cut , especially if you drink it in moderation.
"Coffee can be considered a bad choice for health, because it is a caffeinated drink that can disrupt sleep and increase blood pressure," he explains. "However, coffee is also filled with antioxidants and can have many advantages when consumed in moderation, such as improving alertness, an increase in energy levels and an improvement in mood."
4 Eat foods rich in fat
Foods rich in fats were once considered seriously unhealthy, and we replaced them religiously with low -fat options. Today, we know that monounsaturated fats, like those found in avocados, and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds and certain oils, are an important part of a balanced diet. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"You need healthy fats (unsaturated fats), and many of them!" Shana Johnson , MD, a doctor in physical medicine and rehabilitation , recount Better life . "It is an excess of sugar and carbohydrates that cause excess weight, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Fat gets a bad blow," she said.
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5 To eat chocolate
For a long time, health experts have praised the benefits of eating dark chocolate. "Dark chocolate (done with 70% or more cocoa) can be good for your health because it contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation", explains Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz , MD, PHD, Facs, a bariatric surgeon certified on the board of directors at Vida well-being and beauty . "In addition, dark chocolate is rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and potassium - quite important for the proper functioning of cells and overall health. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and Théobromine, which can help stimulate mood and mental performance, "she explains.
Although a recent report has questioned her health affirmations when she found that certain brands were contaminated by lead and cadmium , experts say you can always enjoy dark chocolate and its health benefits without having to feel guilty - you just have to Choose the right type . "Do not forget to check the nutrition label to make sure you get a good quality product with a minimum added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate as part of A balanced diet can help you achieve your health goals while still being satisfactory your sweet tooth! "Said Rodríguez Ruiz.