We all know that fruits and vegetables are considered some of the healthiest food options.
But did you know that there are some that are just not as healthy as you might believe they are?
Of course, it stands to reason that some vegetables are going to be healthier than others.
And it’s also true that modern vegetable growers use pesticides and genetic modification—and sometimes, these processes can render the products a bit more dangerous and unhealthy.
In this post, you’re going to learn about 5 of the least healthy vegetable options, along with information explaining why you might want to find alternatives.
Let’s dive into it.
1. Bell Peppers
As a nightshade vegetable, bell peppers are actually a bit of a controversial food choice. Some people believe that they can lead to inflammation, and can increase your risk of certain health issues.
Yep, they’re tasty. But as it turns out, there may be better vegetable options out there.
2. Celery
Yes, celery is tasty and packs in a notoriously small calorie total. But did you also know that it’s virtually nutrition-less? There’s also a fear about pesticides where celery is concerned.
A single stalk of celery can sometimes contain traces of up to 68 different types of pesticides!
3. Corn
Everyone loves corn. In fact, at many tables, it’s a staple ingredient. Corn on the cob, creamed corn, cornbread, etc. All of these types of foods are delicious.
But here’s the thing:
Corn has actually been subjected to some pretty serious genetic modification. And due to this, it contains some proteins that aren’t necessarily helpful or useful to the human body.
Corn is also a common allergen, and just isn’t as healthy as some other vegetable options out there.
4. Eggplant
Eggplant is a well-known vegetarian substitute for meat in many dishes (like in eggplant parmesan).
But there’s also an issue with how eggplant tends to soak up flavors, fats, and sodium. Unfortunately, since eggplant can soak up so much fat and sodium, it’s possible that you could really overdo it if you’re using it in salty dishes and not being careful about the composition of those dishes.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are a popular vegetable.
But unfortunately, they’re also more likely to cause digestive issues and are more likely to contain antinutrients.
Potatoes can also increase your blood sugar levels, as they contain carbs that are quickly turned into simple sugars after consuming them.
Conclusion
Of course, as a general rule, eating vegetables is always healthier than processed food alternatives.
And even the vegetables on this list all boast their own lists of health benefits, vitamins, minerals, and nutritional values.
But as you start to really dial in your diet, you may want to eat less of these particular vegetables and opt for options that will deliver more nutritional value and fewer potential problems.
Not every food option is going to be equal. And when it comes to vegetables, it certainly pays to do your research to make sure that you’re making the healthiest diet choices possible.
