I don't know that I would say that their suggestions are "good for you", but these are definitely better choices if looking for a junk food fix. As with any foods, moderation is the key. Enjoy!
Dr. Heller
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5 Junk Foods That Are Good for You
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All junk foods have the reputation for
being — well, junk — but some are actually good for you. Are there
really junk foods you can eat without feeling guilty? Yes. Some foods
that have been put under the "junk" label or "no-no's" for the health
conscious deserve a second look. Keep reading as Newsmax Health searches
out foods that you can enjoy tonight ... without guilt.
• Beef jerky. Although beef jerky has gotten
it's "bad" food label due to preservatives, it's actually loaded with
protein. As an added bonus, it won't raise insulin levels, making it an
ideal snack. And while it's true that some beef jerky is loaded with
both preservatives and salt, you can find all-natural versions that have
no preservatives and less salt. You can even find brands made with
grass-fed beef (instead of grain), which will give you a bonus of
heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
• Chocolate. Numerous studies have shown
that dark chocolate (which contains at least 60 percent cocoa) is rich
in antioxidants called flavonoids. German researchers found that eating
only one square of dark chocolate a week lowered the risk of heart
attack and stroke by 39 percent, and another study found that people who
ate the equivalent of a small chocolate bar each week reduced their
risk of dying following a stroke by 46 percent. Among other health
benefits, chocolate has also been found to lower blood pressure, reduce
stress, fight wrinkles, and boost mood.
• Popcorn. Popcorn, which is actually a
whole-grain product, is packed with antioxidants called polyphenols. A
study at the University of Scranton found that popcorn — based on the
average American diet — has more antioxidants than most people eat in a
day. Just avoid popcorn loaded with butter and other oils and choose
air-popped corn, which has only 30 calories a cup. "Popcorn may be the
perfect snack food," said Joe Vinson, a chemist at the University of
Scranton. “It’s the only snack that is 100 percent whole grain.”
• Beer. An Italian analysis of 16 studies
found that people who drank about a pint of beer daily reduced their
risk of heart disease by 31 percent. Also, beer is high in silicone,
which helps prevent bone loss and may even help rebuild bones in younger
men and women. Researchers at Tufts University found that beer drinkers
had a higher bone density than those who didn't drink. Warning: Don't
tuck into a six-pack. Both studies found that people who overindulged
increased their risk of both heart disease and bone loss.
• Chips. Baked chips, whether potato or
corn, don't have any added oil and are often made from whole grains,
which are great for heart health. They also often contain added spices,
which zap up the taste and are also great for your health. Baked potato
chips are good sources of potassium and vitamin C, and corn chips
contain phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.
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