Lifestyle

10 'Unhealthy' Foods You Think You Should Avoid, But Really Don't Have To

by Sai Sailaja Seshadri

We all think we have our health figured out. We're convinced we know what is good for our bodies and what isn't.

But, I have some good news for you: There are a lot of foods that people believe are detrimental to your health, but actually aren't. The best part of this is, a lot of these foods are also extremely delicious. These foods can be added into any diet, and it doesn't just have to be on a cheat day.

Here are 10 "unhealthy" foods that can actually be good for you:

1. Coffee

While too much caffeine might not be the best idea for your body, small intakes of coffee can be helpful in ways other than waking you up in the morning. Coffee has been known to possibly help reduce the risk of many diseases, including Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes.

2. Wine

This is the time for all wine lovers to rejoice. Wine can be favorable for your body in many ways. It is known to be associated with lower body mass, and it may even prevent bone loss. For women, it might also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

So, next time someone judges you for drinking, tell them it's for health purposes. Just remember that wine is still alcohol, so be careful with how much you intake.

3. Potatoes

While they have a bad reputation, potatoes are actually a good source of many nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and potassium. They also contain phytonutrients, which have antioxidant activity. Plus, they're delicious and can be cooked in 100 different ways, so that's even better.

4. Bananas

Although they are high in calories, bananas are the perfect source of Vitamin A, folic acid, fiber and potassium. When you're in the mood for some healthy fruit, don't take bananas out of your options, as there are many ways bananas are beneficial for you.

5. Peanut Butter

Not only is it addicting, but peanut butter also has healthy oils and is rich in protein and fiber. When eaten in moderate amounts, it is also heart-friendly.

6. Chocolate

Dark chocolate with low amounts of sugar can be great for your heart because it's very nutritious, contains antioxidants and may help improve blood flow throughout the body. The next time your sweet tooth comes out to play, eat some delicious dark chocolate.

7. Nuts

Though nuts in huge amounts can be make you put on pounds, they contain fiber and healthy fats, which can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. Go out and buy some peanuts, cashews, pecans and other nuts, and make a delicious trail mix that can be a little on-the-go snack.

8. Eggs

While eggs are a controversial food when it comes to whether they;re healthy or not, there are actually many health benefits. Not only does one whole egg contain close to 6 grams of protein, but studies also show they can be a weight-loss food.

One study tracked the weight loss of individuals who ate two eggs for breakfast versus individuals who ate one bagel. Unsurprisingly, the people who ate eggs lost around 65 percent more weight than the bagel-eaters. So, put down that bagel and cream cheese and enjoy some eggs.

9. Pasta

Eaten in small quantities, pasta can be helpful for your body, if it's balanced out with proteins (such as chicken) and healthy fats (such as olive oil). The next time you're craving Italian, don't hesitate to order a plate.

10. Pizza

Yes, that's right. I said pizza.

There are many ways to make the nation's favorite food nutritious. How is it healthy? Well, if it's made right, it can be. When you order pizza with low-fat cheese and fill it up with veggies, even your favorite food can be a healthy meal.

You might have noticed a trend throughout that list: The key to everything is moderation. As long as you eat small amounts, all of these foods contain nutritious components and can be good for you. Remember to balance out your diet, and you can still eat all the delicious items you secretly crave.