Is agave nectar good for you? Are low fat products better than full fat? These days knowing which foods are good for you and which aren’t can be a confusing minefield.  One day something will be considered a superfood and the next it will be carcinogenic.  We decided to do a balanced investigation, looking at REAL data and REAL studies, to find out exactly which foods aren’t as healthy as you might think.

1. Smoothies

Why you might think it’s good

A smoothie in the morning before heading out to work can be a great way to fill you up until lunchtime and probably contains around 2-3 of your 5 a day. Packed with vitamins, you can’t go wrong with a fruit and veg brekkie right?

Why it’s actually bad

Although better than no breakfast at all, the act of blending actually removes all of the fibre from the fruit. What’s left behind is just fructose (sugar) and water. As explained by registered dietician and nutritionist McKel Hill, “the sugar [in a smoothie] usually isn’t balanced with the amount of protein, fiber, vegetables (i.e. leafy greens), and healthy fats”.  So, next time you’re craving a smoothie for breakfast prepare yourself some fresh fruit instead.

2. Low fat products

Why you might think it’s good

With obesity on the rise we are constantly being told to lower the amount of fat in our diets. As fat in foods has now become the enemy it seems logical to reach for the low-fat options instead.

Why it’s actually bad

The truth of the matter is that when the fat is removed from a product, it is often pumped full of sugar to make it taste better. Naturally occurring fats, as with all foods, are not bad for you when consumed in moderation. On the other hand, the added sugar is not so harmless. 

3. Agave Nectar

Why you might think it’s good

Agave nectar – it’s sweet, natural, tastes great in porridge and is an alternative to thick honey. What’s not to like?

Why it’s actually bad

Sorry to burst your superfood bubble but agave nectar is in fact much worse for you than normal sugar. The problem with sugar is that 50% of it is made up of fructose. Agave contains between 70-90%! Unlike glucose, which can be used by a number of cells once it’s in our bloodstream, fructose has to be metabolised in our liver before it is readily available to us. This can damage liver function and even lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So, next time you’re craving something sweet steer clear of agave.

4. Dried Fruit

Why you might think it’s good

Fruit is good for us, it’s full of fibre and is pretty tasty. It’s also great to snack on, as it can help keep hunger pangs at bay. So, you would think that dried fruit was just a more compact and wrinkly version of the fresh original wouldn’t you?

Why it’s actually bad

Dried fruit is indeed more compact and wrinkly than fresh fruit but it’s definitely not as good for you. In order to keep dry fruit preserved, most of the water content is removed and the fruit is then pumped full of sugar. If you’re looking for an easy snack, simply swap dried for fresh.

5. Vitamin waters

Why you might think it’s good

Water with extra vitamins! Who wouldn’t want that? It’s tough to keep on top of our vitamin levels without taking supplements so being able to top up with a drink sounds like a dream.

Why it’s actually bad

However, like most things on this list, the water is loaded with added sugar to make it palatable. Although not as easy, it’s definitely best to drink plain old H2O and take regular supplement pills if you have low vitamin levels.