3 “Health Foods” That are NOT Healthy

Tilapia is a white fish staple for dieters looking for a lean protein source. But this seemingly innocent fish is quite dangerous to your health.

The problem with Tilapia is that it is almost exclusively farm-raised. Recent studies have shown that tilapia can worsen inflammation, which we know is the root of disease and symptoms such as heart disease, allergies, and arthritis. Wake Forest University actually found that the risk for raising inflammation in Tilapia is way worse than eating a hamburger or bacon!

Farm raised fish are also bombs of toxins and chemicals. The feeds that are used in fish farming are completely unnatural to fish consumption (chicken feces anyone?) and have high concentrations of antibiotics, pesticides and chemicals.

So ditch this fish now, and opt for wild-caught salmon and other high quality, wild-caught, sustainable fish sources.

Agave syrup has become the sweetener of choice for many seeking “healthier” sources than sugar.

But I have some bad news for you, agave is not any healthier than sugar or even high fructose corn syrup.

Agave is a concentrated sweetener made from the agave plant in Mexico. Sadly, during it’s production it is very highly processed and stripped of all of it’s nutritional value.

Agave syrup contains more fructose than high fructose corn syrup!

This is dangerous as research shows a strong link between fructose and insulin resistance, significantly raising triglycerides, can cause acne and increases fat around your stomach, according to Dr. Ingrid Kohlstadt of the American College of Nutrition.

Ditch the Agave sweeteners and opt for raw Manuka honey, which is high in nutrients, or calorie free stevia.

With all of the talk on probiotics (totally valid!) many consumers are reaching for yogurt at the grocery store to try to support their gut health.

Sadly, much of the yogurt spread across the refrigerated section is merely processed milk bombed with sugar. I’m not exaggerating here.

Yogurt, especially low-fat, has been highly processed and stripped of any benefit that may actually be there such as some healthy fats and those raw probiotics.

Standard yogurt can cause hormonal troubles due to the hormones in the dairy (this is in organic too!), can increase acne breakouts and skin problems, and can stimulate weight gain with the removal of fat and the addition of sweeteners attempting to make it palatable.

Take a look at your yogurt, it likely has close to 15-20 grams of sugar, and loaded with multiple ingredients.

Instead opt for raw kefir or make your own yogurt from raw milk or coconut milk. If you simply must have your little containers from the store check out the new almond milk yogurts ( I like the Kite Hill brand) or go for goat, sheep, or yogurt from grass-fed cows.