5 Guilty Pleasure Foods That Aren’t Guilty

For those who have strayed from good nutrition, returning to the the path of well-being and longevity is one dreary cycle of deprivation. There are some foods that have to be cut off from the diet. Some people who do choose to give in to the comfort of food and drinks that titillate their senses end up feeling guilty and frustrated.

Fortunately, there are such food and drinks that not only taste better; they are also beneficial to health, when consumed in moderation. Popular items on every health aficionados list may include dark chocolate, coffee, red wine, nuts, and even red meat. But wait, there’s more! Here are the not-so-popular guilty pleasure foods that you can eat minus the guilt.

1. Popcorn

People associate it with mindless munching when watching movies but it’s a whole grain snack. It’s rich in fiber and low in calories. When made the right way especially with non-GMO kernels, according to experts, its naturally low salt and fat content will work in your favor. A 2012 study by the University of Scranton agrees that it is the perfect snack food as it is also rich in polyphenols, a type of healthy antioxidants. Flavor it with spices such as cayenne or cinnamon instead of salt makes it an even healthier option.

2. Beer

Alcohol has been associated with liver damage and many other adverse health conditions. However, a 12 ounce drink of dark beer daily can cut significant risk of heart attack, clot-caused strokes, diabetes, insulin resistance, and some types of dementia. If red wine has resveratrol, dark beer is rich in polyphenols. These polyphenols prevent blood from thickening, according to the scientists based at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, which helps prevent strokes and cardiac problems.

3. Dairy

Butter and cheese have often been blamed for heart problems because of their apparent saturated fat content. However, new research seems to show it isn’t true. Cheese is a good alternative protein source and helps strengthen teeth and bones. Mozzarella is a low calorie cheese that has B-vitamins. Butter, when consumed in less than a tablespoon daily, may keep the bad effects on your heart and waist. This contains antioxidants and natural fats that can hasten fat burning.

4. Eggs

It has often been maligned for being rich in cholesterol and bad for the heart. In reality, eggs are a complete meal by itself aside from being delicious and filling. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has published a study that show eggs helping the body absorb more nutrients, specifically fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, and E. That further absolves you when eating the yolk, because it’s the fat content that does that job.

5. Fermented food

Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and pickles are good for your gut because of the good bacteria they gained during the fermentation process. But there are recent data that shows it also benefits mental and social health. There is a study from the Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition that showed people who do eat probiotic rich foods for a month are less likely to feel depressed. In a separate study, researchers found people who consume fermented foods regularly are more sociable.

That’s quite an addition to the usual list. Bear in mind that there are no hard and fast rules in getting the most benefit from these. Most of these studies have yet to be endorsed by health authorities. Consuming these in moderation is the key, coupled with an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, to get your health back on track.

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Main image credit: foodbeast.com