11 Foods With A Bad Rep That Are Actually Good For You

Yes, your whole life has been a lie.

1. Alcohol

Through the ages, alcohol has maintained its status as one of society’s greatest evils, but moderate consumption is actually good for you. Before you get too excited, remember that moderate consumption equals one drink a day for women, and two drinks for men. Wine and dark coloured beers are the healthiest options.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Several studies have found that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that prevent several diseases, so you can indulge in a piece or two without feeling guilty anymore.

3. Pizza

Yes really, but only if you do it right. Make pizza at home with a whole wheat base, tomato sauce and lots of chicken and veggies.

4. Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the healthiest whole grains, with almost twice the amount of polyphenols than several types of fruit. However, if you eat popcorn only at the movies then you’re doing it all wrong, because theatre popcorn is loaded with butter, salt and sugar. Make it at home and season it with salt, pepper and spices instead.

5. Cheese

Cheese is full of fat and calories, we all know that. However, including fresh cheeses in your diet – none of that processed stuff, mind you – can boost your calcium and Vitamin K levels, leading to better heart and bone health, and even weight loss!

6. Coffee

Ditch the added sugar and cream and you have a healthy beverage right there! Coffee is a rich source of flavanoids, and it can help prevent Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

7. Potatoes

We tend to think that people who eat a lot of potatoes will sooner or later turn into potatoes themselves, but the fault actually lies with the method of preparation and not the veggie itself. In fact, experts believe that if mankind had to pick only one food to survive on forever, it should be potatoes, because they are packed with all the nutrients we require. So skip the fries and start eating aloo subzi, potato curry, and baked potato fries instead.

8. Ghee

We tend to associate ghee with weight gain, but it’s actually super healthy. Rich in nutrients, it is great for immunity and digestion and is anti-carcinogenic as well. Best of all, it contains healthy fats that can actually help you lose weight!

9. Eggs

Eggs have gotten a bad rep because people believe that they raise cholesterol. However newer research is proving that this is untrue. Go ahead and eat as many as you like!

10. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is loaded with calories, but eating it in moderation can help control your appetite and even help you lose weight! Make your own nut butters at home by pulsing a handful of nuts in the blender until they release their oils and form a creamy paste. No extra water or oil required!

11. Milk fats

Skimmed milk may be doing you more harm than good! A Swedish study conducted over 12 years found that middle aged men who consumed high-fat milk and other fatty milk products like butter and cream, were less likely to become obese than men who rarely or never ate high-fat dairy.