In this video, Dr. Ekberg shares the top 10 foods to avoid if you want to live a long and healthy life. He explains that non-fat products, deli meats, GMOs, vegetable oils, white flour, MSG, sugar, margarine, donuts/cake/frosting, and artificial sweeteners should be avoided. He highlights the harmful effects of these foods on the body, such as nutrient depletion, inflammation, interference with signal regulation, toxicity, and disruption of cell membranes. Dr. Ekberg suggests opting for whole, unprocessed foods and alternatives like keto or paleo desserts for occasional indulgences. He emphasizes that artificial sweeteners are the worst, being neurotoxins and poisons to the body.
Key Insights:
- Avoid non-fat products as they often have added sugars and artificial additives to compensate for the removed fat.
- Deli meats can be either good or bad depending on the quality and additives used. Opt for organic and minimally processed options.
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), such as genetically modified corn, soy, and sugar beets, can have unknown long-term effects on health. Look for non-GMO labeled products.
- Commercial oils and deep-fried foods should be avoided as they are often made with chemically processed vegetable oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids and can be harmful to health.
- White flour and modern wheat, found in various baked goods, lack essential nutrients and have been heavily hybridized, making them different from ancient grains. Opt for alternatives made with healthier flours.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitotoxin that can overexcite brain cells, leading to adverse effects. It is commonly found in processed foods, especially those with intense flavors.
- Sugar, when consumed in excess, can have detrimental effects on health. Watch out for added sugars in drinks, candies, and snacks.
- Margarine, especially those made with hydrogenated oils, contains trans fats that can disrupt cell membrane function and increase the risk of various diseases.
- Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame k are neurotoxic chemicals that have no place in the human body. Avoid products that contain artificial sweeteners.
- Avoid donuts, cakes, and frostings as they combine multiple unhealthy ingredients, including refined flours, trans fats, and artificial additives.
Transcript
Hello health champions! Today, I want to share with you the top 10 foods to avoid if you want to live a long and healthy life. So let’s get started.
Firstly, I want to emphasize the importance of understanding why these foods are good or bad for us. It’s not just about blindly following a list but rather understanding the consequences of consuming these foods. I will never tell you what you should or shouldn’t eat, but understanding the impact of these foods will help you make informed decisions for your health.
Let’s start by discussing what food actually is. Food should provide fuel and nutrients, acting as building blocks for new tissue and containing catalysts like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help our bodies turn fuel into energy. Whole foods encompass all these elements. However, processed foods are often stripped of essential components, making them non-food.
Health, on the other hand, is the ability of our bodies to use fuel, building blocks, and catalysts to produce energy and coordinate bodily functions. Our body constantly receives signals from various sources, and maintaining a healthy balance requires proper energy production and signal regulation.
Now let’s dive into the top 10 foods to avoid, starting from number 10. Non-fat products, labeled as low-fat or reduced fat, often lack the natural fats present in the original food. To compensate for lost flavor and texture, manufacturers add sugar, artificial flavors, and stabilizers, turning the food into a chemical concoction. It is best to choose whole foods with good quality fats instead.
Number 9 is deli meats, which can vary in quality. If made using healthy meats without added chemicals and nitrites, they can be a good option. However, many deli meats are processed with sugar, artificial flavors, and other additives, making them unhealthy. Always look for sustainably and organically raised meats without harmful additives.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) take the 8th spot on the list. Foods like corn, soy, and sugar beets are among the most commonly genetically modified crops. To avoid GMOs, choose non-GMO labeled products and opt for organic versions of vegetables that are more prone to genetic modification.
Commercial oils, including vegetable oils and deep-fried foods, are number 7. Vegetable oils like canola, safflower, and soybean oil are highly processed and contain high amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory. Deep-fried foods often use unstable, harshly processed oils that can turn rancid and contain trans fats. Opt for natural fats like extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, butter, or ghee instead.
Number 6 is white flour and modern wheat. White flour is heavily refined, removing essential nutrients, and modern wheat has been genetically modified and hybridized to increase yield. This makes modern wheat significantly different from the ancient grains our bodies are accustomed to. Avoid all products made from white flour and modern wheat.
Artificial flavor enhancers like MSG (monosodium glutamate) make it to the 5th spot. MSG tricks our taste buds and brain into perceiving enhanced flavors, leading to overconsumption. It is commonly found in canned soups, salad dressings, and flavored snacks. Consider avoiding these products and focus on whole foods without added MSG.
Sugar takes the 4th spot and is not considered a poison since it provides fuel for our bodies. However, sugar can be harmful when consumed excessively. Processed sugars, such as refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup, are prevalent in sweetened beverages, candies, and processed snacks. To stay healthy, limit added sugars to 5-10 grams per day or less.
Margarine, at number 3, is a synthetic, man-made food. It is a chemically processed vegetable oil turned into a partially saturated fat, containing trans fats. Margarine disrupts and alters the properties of our cell membranes, leading to various health issues. Avoid margarine and opt for natural fats like butter or coconut oil.
The category of donuts, cakes, and frosting is placed as the second-worst food category to avoid. This combination encompasses several unhealthy elements, including deep-frying, trans fats, refined flour, sugar, and artificial ingredients. While occasional indulgence is acceptable, it is best to look for healthier alternatives or make homemade versions with natural ingredients.
Finally, the number one worst food to avoid is artificial sweeteners. Aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame K are all neurotoxic chemicals without any nutritional value. Aspartame, in particular, breaks down into formaldehyde, methanol, and excitotoxins, causing liver toxicity, kidney failure, and autoimmune conditions. Artificial sweeteners are commonly found in diet sodas, low-calorie yogurts, chewing gum, and other sugar-free products. Be cautious and read food labels to avoid artificial sweeteners.
Understanding the impact of these foods on our health is crucial. While occasional indulgences are fine, prioritizing whole, natural foods is essential for long-term health and vitality. Take control of your choices and make informed decisions about what you consume.
