These 5 “Bad” Habits Are Actually Good for You

Too often, the things we once thought were good for our health turn out to be bad. health hazards. For example, coconut oil—once hailed as a healthier alternative to other types of fat—turns out to come with all the cardiovascular pitfalls of its peers. Similarly, agave sweeteners—once viewed as a healthier replacement for table sugar—are higher in calories and no less likely to cause insulin resistance. The pendulum can swing in the opposite direction, however, and we may discover that some health habits we used to consider are no longer healthy. “bad” They are really beneficial.

Best Life To find out which habits have been given a bad reputation over the years, we reached out to a few doctors. Continue reading to find out which five habits are best for you. “bad” Experts suggest that you might want to consider changing your habits.

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The conventional wisdom says that three square meals are enough for a day. to be healthy. However, according to K. Mitchell NaficyMD Family physician With over 29 years of clinical experience in the field, it is possible to eat less often.

“Intermittent fasting, which involves eating only during certain hours of the day, is becoming increasingly popular,” He says it. Best Life. “While it may seem like a bad idea to skip meals, it has actually been linked with numerous health benefits, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and improved energy levels.”

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Experts recommend eating a mostly plant-based diet. Kellie K. MiddletonDr., MPH. Atlanta-based orthopedistThat’s what it says “eating red meat occasionally can also be beneficial for your health.” Here’s the thing: Moderation is the key.

Middleton explains that red meat has high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat. “contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. These include iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium—all of which are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. Eating grass-fed beef can even reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer,” She continues.

Coffee is frequently viewed as a vice—something we need to cut back on or cut out entirely. Naficy claims that there are major benefits to your. Daily cup of joeIt’s okay to have, provided you consume it in moderation.

“Coffee can be seen as a bad choice for health, as it is a caffeinated beverage that can disrupt sleep and raise blood pressure,” He elaborates. “However, coffee is also packed with antioxidants and can have numerous benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improved alertness, increased energy levels, and improved mood.”

High-fat foods used to be considered unhealthy. We now eat low-fat alternatives. We know today that monounsaturated fats such as avocados, as well as polyunsaturated, such like those found in nuts and seeds, are essential components of a balanced diet.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

“You need healthy fats (unsaturated fats), and lots of them!” Shana JohnsonMD Rehabilitation physician and physical medicineTells Best Life. “It’s excess sugar and carbs that lead to excess weight, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Fat gets a bad rap,” She says.

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Experts in health have known for a while that dark chocolate has many benefits. “Dark chocolate (made with 70 percent 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,” ” Gabriela Rodríguez RuizDr. Judith A. Sullivan, MD, PhD, FACS is a board-certified, bariatric surgeon. VIDA Wellness and Beauty. “Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and potassium—all important for proper cell functioning and overall health. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which may help boost mood and mental performance,” She elaborates.

However, a recent study questioned its claims about health when it found that certain brands were being used in the promotion of their health claims. Contaminated with lead and/or cadmium, experts say you can still enjoy dark chocolate and its health benefits without having to feel guilty about it—you just have to Choose the best type. “Just remember to check the nutrition label to ensure you’re getting a good quality product with minimal added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Enjoying a square or two of dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet can help you reach your health goals while still satisfying your sweet tooth!” says Rodríguez Ruiz.