3 Typically ‘Healthy’ Foods That Are Not Good For You

In today's marketplace, food marketing can be incredibly deceptive, particularly when it comes to packaged goods. Many products prominently display claims such as "2 of your 5 a day," "high protein," "low calorie," "supports the immune system," "low fat," or "gut-friendly." While these claims may hold some truth, they often mask the fact that these foods contain other ingredients that may be detrimental to your health. What appears to be a healthy choice at first glance may be more complex upon closer examination.

The Importance of Label Awareness

When it comes to packaged foods, it's essential to approach them with caution. The fact that a food product is packaged often means it contains preservatives and additives designed to prolong its shelf life.

Let's dive into some everyday supermarket items that seem healthy but might have some hidden risks. It's essential to read labels carefully and be aware of what you're putting into your body. Many foods marketed as "healthy" can still contain ingredients that might contribute to inflammation or other health risks.

Store-Bought Hummus: Not as Healthy as It Appears

Hummus is frequently considered a healthy option, but a closer look at the ingredient list of store-bought varieties may raise concerns. Consider the following ingredients:

Cooked Chickpeas (42%) [Chickpeas, Water]
Rapeseed Oil (16%)
Water
Tahini (12%) [Sesame Seed Paste]
Smoked Chickpeas (10%) [Chickpeas, Water, Wood Smoke]
Concentrated Lemon Juice
Salt, Vinegar, Garlic Purée [Garlic, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid]

The first issue to note is that this hummus contains only 42% chickpeas. Ideally, hummus should consist primarily of chickpeas, but instead, a significant portion is made up of rapeseed oil. While marketed as a healthier alternative to sunflower oil, rapeseed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids. Although omega-6 is essential in small quantities, an excess, especially without a balanced intake of omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to inflammation.

Rapeseed oil is often derived from genetically modified (GMO) sources. These plants are engineered for pest resistance, benefiting agricultural yields but posing potential health risks, including links to allergies and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the oil typically undergoes processing involving chemical solvents like hexane, which can further reduce its nutritional value.

Store-bought hummus also includes ingredients like garlic and lemon juice, which, while generally healthy, may cause adverse reactions in individuals with specific sensitivities, particularly those with IBS or other digestive issues.



Falafel: The Hidden Dangers in a "Healthy" Dish

Falafel is a popular choice for those looking to eat healthily, but once again, the store-bought versions often contain ingredients that aren’t doing you any favours.
Ingredients: Chickpeas (27%) (Water, Chickpeas), Onions, Broad Beans (19%), Rapeseed Oil, Chickpea Flour, Rice Flour, Coriander, Parsley, Garlic Purée, Ground Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Black Pepper, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper), Salt, Lemon Zest, Green Chilli Purée, Cornflour, Dextrose

Store-bought falafel is often packed with processed flours like rice flour, and cornflour. While chickpea flour is okay in moderation, rice and corn flour are a different story. Rice flour is low in protein, has almost no nutritional value, and is high in carbohydrates, which can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. This not only leads to unwanted weight gain but also inflammation.

Cornflour has an even higher glycemic index, meaning it can cause significant spikes in blood sugar. It’s also low in fiber, which delays the absorption of sugar and makes it harder for your body to detoxify and rebalance. On top of that, cornflour is basically just empty calories, offering no nutritional benefits while contributing to weight gain.

Steer clear of the store-bought varieties because they’re often devoid of nutritional value, high in carbohydrates, and loaded with artificial preservatives, fillers, or flavours.

Instead, healthy falafels can be made at home without flour and without frying. Check our homemade healthy falafels on our membership platform which are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with nutritious ingredients. They also freeze well, making it easy to prepare a large batch in advance and have a convenient, healthy dinner ready for busy weekdays.

Plant-Based Milk: What’s Really in That Carton?




If you’ve switched to plant-based milk thinking it’s a healthier alternative to dairy, you might want to take a closer look at the ingredients.

Oat Milk Ingredients: Water, Oats 10%, Rapeseed Oil, Minerals (Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphates, Potassium Iodide), Salt, Vitamins (D2, Riboflavin, B12)

Almond Milk: Water, Almond (2.3%), Calcium (Tri-Calcium Phosphate), Sea Salt, Stabilisers (Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum), Emulsifier (Lecithins (Sunflower)), Vitamins (B2, B12, E, D)

Hemp Milk: Water, Hemp Seed Base (4%), Acidity Regulator (Dipotassium Phosphate), Emulsifier (Sunflower Lecithin), Stabiliser (Gellan Gum), Sea Salt
Supermarket plant-based milks often contain inflammatory ingredients, raising concerns about the switch from dairy. While dairy has its own issues—such as intolerance, inflammation, and the presence of hormones and antibiotics—it's important to be cautious when choosing plant-based alternatives.

A major concern is the inclusion of vegetable oils in many plant-based milks, such as highly processed rapeseed oil. These oils, which lose nutritional value during processing, add unnecessary toxicity and should be avoided. Another ingredient to watch for is emulsifiers, often listed as xanthan gum or similar agents. These thickening agents, produced through fermentation, can cause digestive discomfort over time and may lead to chronic inflammation, IBS, colitis, and other serious health conditions.

Additionally, many plant-based milks contain added Vitamin D2. While this may seem beneficial, the body naturally absorbs Vitamin D3, which is obtained from sunlight and supports immune health. Vitamin D2, a synthetic form, is not as easily absorbed and could even desensitise the body's Vitamin D3 receptors, potentially leading to deficiencies.

A healthier alternative is to make plant-based milk at home. Homemade options such as hemp milk, almond milk, and macadamia nut milk are free from oils, additives, gums, and sugar, offering pure, nutritious ingredients at a lower cost than store-bought varieties. Plus, our membership platform offers many DIY plant milk recipes to help you get started!

Final Thoughts
It's easy to be influenced by the marketing of "healthy" packaged foods, but it's essential to look beyond the labels and understand what's really inside. By paying attention to ingredients and opting to make more foods at home, many of the hidden risks found in these so-called health foods can be avoided. Just because a product is marketed as healthy doesn't guarantee it truly is. Taking control by reading labels, making informed decisions, and preparing homemade versions of favourite foods whenever possible is a proactive way to support overall health—and the body will appreciate it.

Synergised membership platform provides access to full recipes with the perfect ingredients to make nutritious meals from scratch. These recipes are carefully crafted to ensure you can enjoy wholesome, balanced meals without relying on processed or packaged foods. Each recipe is designed with optimal health in mind, featuring clean, nutrient-dense ingredients that support overall well-being. Whether you're looking to recreate your favourite dishes or explore new healthy options, the membership offers everything you need to cook from scratch with confidence.Whether you're whipping up creamy hummus, crispy falafels, or fresh almond and macadamia nut milk, the platform provides the perfect ingredient combinations and step-by-step instructions to help you make these wholesome staples easily and confidently.