9 Foods you thought were bad for you, but actually aren’t

( Natural News ) There are foods that you don’t eat because growing up, you knew them as “unhealthy.” The foods that you eat, or don’t eat, may have also been influenced by the media or corporations. Here are nine foods that are most commonly perceived as unhealthy , but are actually good for you. Bananas: Bananas are carbohydrate- and sugar-rich. However, consuming these fruits in moderation actually helps regulate blood sugar levels because of their high pectin fiber content. In addition, they provide many nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and copper. Chocolate: People avoid chocolate because of its sugar content. However, chocolate made with cacao with no artificial ingredients or dairy is actually healthy. Real chocolate actually contains more polyphenols and other powerful anti-aging antioxidants compared to most foods. These substances protect against diseases and prevent DNA damage that causes signs of aging such as wrinkles. Eat at least one square of 75 percent to 85 percent of cacao dark chocolate each night as a dessert to reap its benefits. Coconut oil: Many people avoid coconut oil because of its saturated fat content, but studies have shown that there is no association between the consumption of saturated fat and a higher risk of heart disease. In fact, research showed that this type of oil is actually good for your heart; it can help increase your levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol because of its medium-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil can also help fight bacteria and boost your metabolism. Use coconut oil when sauteing vegetables or use it as a substitute for butter in baking. (Related: Hidden Truth About Coconut Oil: 10 Facts You Need To Know .) Coffee: Drinking a cup or two of coffee has health benefits: it can lower the risk of Type 2 […]

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