12 Fruits and Vegetables Most Contaminated With Pesticides

Which fruits and veggies should you be buying organic? You might be surprised by the “dirtiest” types of produce in the market. Janine Bowring, ND (@j9naturally), is a naturopath doctor and social media influencer who offers health and wellness advice to her nearly 1 million TikTok followers. In a new TikTok video, she discusses the “Dirty Dozen” list released annually by the EWG. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva Tara Collingwood, also weighs in and reveals ways to clean up each piece of produce.

Green Beans

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“Okay, number 12 on the list is green beans,” says Dr. Bowring. “Green beans can be rinsed well and trimmed to remove a lot of residue,” adds Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “Because they are a sturdy vegetable, don't be afraid to use your hands to rub them to remove even more.”

Blueberries

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“Number 11, blueberries,” reveals Dr. Bowring. “Toxic because of the pesticides, the herbicides.” According to Collingwood, you should “definitely” rinse them, “but they are very delicate, so you don’t want to handle them with any force,” she says. “You can also dry them or gently blot them with some paper towel or clean dish towel.”

Cherries

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“Number 10 on the list is cherries,” reveals Bowring. “I like to rub cherries with a clean dish towel or paper towel, and it is so satisfying to literally see the dirt/residue coming off onto the towel,” says Collingwood. “Much more effective than just a quick rinse.”

Bell and Hot Peppers

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Number nine? “Bell and hot peppers,” reveals Bowring. “Peppers have a very thick skin and often a waxy coating on them, so definitely use some elbow grease (manual handling) to rub them with a paper towel or clean dish towel,” says Collingwood. “Trim away the stems, of course.”

Grapes

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“Number eight on the list, grapes,” says Bowring. To clean grapes, follow the same instructions as cherries, notes Collingwood.

Apples

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“Number seven, apples,” Bowring continues. “Again, apples are sturdy fruits, so they do well with manual handling and rubbing them well after rinsing under water,” says Collingwood.

Nectarines

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Number six, nectarines. “Nectarines are softer and can get mushy if you rub them too hard, so rinse under running water and gently rub them while under the water,” explains Collingwood.

Pears

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“Number five? Pears, Bowring reveals. Collingwood recommends following the same cleaning instructions as apples to clean pears.

Peaches

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“Number four, peaches. Heavily sprayed. I used to work on a peach farm,” Bowring reveals. To clean peaches, follow the same instructions as nectarines. “You can peel them if you would like if you are that concerned,” adds Collingwood.

Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens

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“Number three, kale, collard, and mustard greens,” says Bowring. “Rinse well under running water and use hands to gently massage them under the running water to remove more residue,” recommends Collingwood.

Spinach

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“Number two on the list is spinach,” says Bowring. Before you sautee the green or add it into your smoothie, Collingwood recommends following the same instructions as the other greens.

Strawberries

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“At the number one spot, one of my favorites, strawberries,” says Bowring. Collingwood suggests cleaning thoroughly by rubbing under running water.

Bottom Line: Buy Organic, Grow Your Own, or Clean Thoroughly

“So whenever you can, my tips are buy organic, grow your own, or you may need to make and use a fruit and veggie wash. Something with apple cider vinegar,” Bowring concludes. “With any of these, you can use approved fruit and vegetable washes that remove more residue than water alone,” adds Collingwood.

We all want to eat healthier, but sometimes, the foods we think are good for us can actually be harmful. Dr. Eric Berg, DC, a 59-year-old nutrition expert, discusses the truth about getting healthy and losing weight in his popular video. As the director of Dr. Berg's Nutritionals and a best-selling Amazon author, Dr. Berg specializes in Healthy Ketosis and Intermittent Fasting. With his wealth of knowledge, he's identified seven common foods that you should avoid to optimize your health and well-being.

1. Orange Juice: Not as Healthy as You Think

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"Orange juice might shock you," says Dr. Berg in his video. "They pasteurize it, destroying much of its nutritional value. It's essentially sugar water that spikes your blood sugar." Dr. Berg explains that the heating process kills enzymes and nutrients, leaving you with little benefit.

Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, agrees. “Whole fruit is much better than juice because you get the fiber to keep you full longer,” she says.

2. Soy Protein Isolates: A Hidden Danger

Many vegetarian products and protein shakes contain soy protein isolates. However, Dr. Berg warns in his video, "This is really not a natural food for humans. It's not fermented, doesn't do well in our bodies, and actually irritates the liver."

While soy protein is often praised for its health benefits, there are some concerns about its potential negative effects. According to Harvard Health, some soy products contain estrogen-like chemicals that could have adverse effects. Specifically, soy isoflavones, which are compounds found in soy, have estrogen-like properties that can bind to estrogen receptors in the body. This has led to concerns about potential disruptions to natural hormone levels.

3. High Fructose Corn Syrup: The Sneaky Sugar

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Found in sodas, drinks, and even salad dressings, high fructose corn syrup is a filler you should avoid. Dr. Berg identifies this as a "given" in the list of foods to never eat.

"High fructose corn syrup has crept into more of our foods over the last few decades. Compared with regular sugar, it’s cheaper and sweeter, and is more quickly absorbed into your body. But eating too much high fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure," warns Cleveland Clinic.

RELATED:The One Workout Worth Doing Daily to Lose Belly Fat

4. Commercial Meats with Nitrates: A Cancer Risk

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"When you buy bacon or sausage or meats, make sure it's nitrate-free," advises Dr. Berg in his video. He points out that studies have linked nitrates to cancer. Opt for grass-fed, paleo, and hormone-free options instead.

"Nitrates and nitrites prevent bacterial growth and give deli meat its distinctive color and flavor. But there’s a downside. Nitrates convert to nitrites, and when nitrites interact with protein, that creates compounds called nitrosamines—which may cause cancer,” says Consumer Reports.

5. Commercial Milk: Hormones in Your Glass

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Dr. Berg in his video recommends choosing organic or at least hormone-free milk. He explains, "There's a little hormone called RBST, which has some negative effects on the body."

According to the Harvard Gazette, there are concerns about the presence of hormones in commercial milk. Specifically, cow’s milk contains significant amounts of female sex hormones, such as estrogen, which have been linked to hormone-dependent cancers like those of the testes, prostate, and breast.

6. TV Dinners: A Nutritional Nightmare

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"TV dinners and pot pies are very low-quality food," says Dr. Berg in his video. He warns that combining protein, starch, and dessert in one meal can cause a massive insulin spike.

According to the BBC, TV dinners often contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and additives, which can contribute to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, ultra-processed foods, which include many TV dinners, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, and strokes.

RELATED:5 Tips to Keep Weight Off After the GLP-1 Shots

7. Imported Fruit: Potential Pesticide Problems

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Dr. Berg in his video cautions against fruit from certain countries. "There's a chance they might use DDT, which is banned in America but still sold to other countries," he explains. This exposure can be particularly harmful to children.

"Of the 100 individual fruit or vegetable samples in our analysis with the highest pesticide risk levels, 65 were imported. Most of those – 52 – came from Mexico, and the majority involved strawberries (usually frozen) or green beans (nearly all contaminated with acephate, the pesticide that's prohibited for use on green beans headed to the US)," The Guardian, reported based on a comprehensive pesticide analysis conducted by Consumer Reports.

By avoiding these seven foods, you can take a significant step towards improving your overall health and nutrition. Remember, being informed about what you eat is the first step to a healthier you. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

They're in your kitchen right now. Foods you eat every day, perhaps even foods you think are healthy. But these everyday staples might be undermining your health without you realizing it. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project, has helped over 30,000 families transform their health through proper nutrition. After losing his father at a young age, he dedicated his life to studying health and nutrition, earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. "These foods are like landmines when you're out in the world," Dr. Balduzzi warns. Here are the top 10 foods he says you need to watch out for – and what to eat instead.

Store-Bought Chips: Your Daily Diet Destroyer

"Chips are literally the living definition of empty calories," Dr. Balduzzi highlights in his post. Just three ounces of chips weekly adds over 24,000 calories to your diet annually – equivalent to about seven pounds of fat. The combination of low-quality potatoes, inflammatory oils, and excessive salt makes them particularly harmful. Instead, try brands made with almond or cassava flour and avocado oil, or make your own apple or zucchini chips at home.

Non-Organic Bread: The Pesticide Problem

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"If you're eating non-organic bread, your bread is sprayed with glyphosate, which is also known as Roundup," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This pesticide can damage your gut microbiome and potentially cause various health issues. The solution? Switch to organic sprouted bread like Ezekiel Bread or organic sourdough, which offer better nutrition and are often easier to digest.

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Commercial Baked Goods: The Thyroid Disruptor

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Those tempting pastries and donuts aren't just sugar bombs. "These bromides actually get into your thyroid gland," Dr. Balduzzi explains, "and block the absorption of iodine, leading to a sluggish metabolism." Many commercial baked goods contain these thyroid-disrupting compounds. Instead, opt for healthier breakfast options like avocado toast on organic bread or egg-based recipes.

Cream-Based Pasta Dishes: The Hidden Calorie Trap

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"Even a cup of chicken Alfredo has about 500 calories," warns Dr. Balduzzi, "and let's be honest, this stuff's so good, you want to eat six cups." His solution? Choose organic wheat or legume-based pasta with low-sugar marinara sauce instead. The lycopene in tomato-based sauces offers additional health benefits for vision and overall health.

Fried Fish and Chicken: The Heart Risk Factor

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The evidence is clear: eating fried fish just once weekly increases heart failure risk by 48%. "Fried foods are toxic for your cardiovascular system," Dr. Balduzzi states. The high-temperature frying creates inflammatory compounds that damage your arteries. Instead, opt for baked, grilled, or air-fried preparations.

RELATED: 12 Genius Hacks a Dietitian Uses to Double Her Protein “Without Touching Chicken”

Processed Meats: The Cancer Connection

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"If there is one resounding thing that nutritionists agree on, it's that processed meats are bad for you," Dr. Balduzzi emphasizes. Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats contain nitrites and nitrates that can increase cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. Choose whole cuts of meat instead, like chicken breast or grass-fed beef.

French Fries: The Aging Accelerator

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"When we take carbohydrates like potatoes and cook them on high heat with vegetable oils, it creates compounds called acrylamides," Dr. Balduzzi explains. These compounds accelerate aging and increase cancer risk. His alternative? Bake sweet potato wedges with olive oil and seasonings for a healthier version of this popular side dish.

Excessive Dairy: The Addiction You Didn't Know About

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"Dairy has a compound called beta casomorphine, which is a natural opioid," Dr. Balduzzi reveals. This explains why we often feel good after consuming dairy – and why it can be addictive. He recommends limiting dairy to occasional use and choosing fermented options like kefir or Greek yogurt when you do indulge.

Processed Plant-Based Foods: The False Health Hero

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Not all plant-based foods deliver on their healthy promise. "What's not awesome is a lot of these fake foods that are trying to be vegan," Dr. Balduzzi cautions. Many contain pesticide-sprayed soy protein and artificial additives. Instead, choose whole food plant-based options like black bean burgers or vegetarian chili.

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 8 Signs You're Eating Too Many Carbs

Sugary "Health" Drinks: The Wellness Impostor

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"These things are glorified sugar shots," Dr. Balduzzi warns about supposedly healthy fruit drinks, noting that many contain 30-40 grams of sugar per serving. Despite their promises of vitamins and antioxidants, these drinks can seriously impact your health. Stick to whole fruits for natural sweetness and nutrients, or make fresh vegetable-based juices at home. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Many experts recommend starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal. However, Dave Asprey, a health science entrepreneur, bestselling author, and the “Father of biohacking,” maintains that hot morning meals aren’t as healthy as you think. “Oatmeal is full of anti-nutrients and glyphosate. Here's why you should stop eating oatmeal and eat these five alternatives because they're better for you,” he writes in the caption of his social media post.

Oatmeal Is Skimpy on Nutrients, Per Asprey

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According to Asprey, oatmeal is surprisingly skimpy in nutrients. “Here's something triggering: Oatmeal is dumb,” Asprey says in his pots. “Oatmeal only has four grams of fiber per cup, 27 grams of carbs, and six grams of low-quality protein.”

He Claims It Also Has a Lot of Anti-Nutrients

Dave Asprey

And that’s not all, according to Asprey. “It has a lot of antinutrients, like phytic acid, that steal minerals from your bones and your cells. And, avenin in oats is really similar to gluten, and that makes your gut even worse.”

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The EWG Found Glyphosate in It

Dave Asprey

“Environmental working group studies found glyphosate in all but two of 45 samples of foods made from conventional oats,” he says. He adds that they also found that “one-third of products made from organic oats still have glyphosate.”

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There Are 5 Foods That Have Surprisingly More Fiber

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Luckily, there are fibrous alternatives. “Here are five foods that have more fiber than oatmeal. They are better for you, and they are smarter than oatmeal,” he says.

Broccoli

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Eat your greens! Food number one is broccoli. “Just make sure you cook it to reduce negative effects on your thyroid,” says Asprey. According to the Mayo Clinic, one cup of boiled broccoli boasts 5 grams of fiber.

Brussels Sprouts

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Number two, Brussels sprouts. “They include something called indole-3-carbinol that helps your body get rid of extra estrogen,” says Asprey. “Also, make sure you cook them. Have one bite raw, but a bowl of raw Brussels sprouts is gross.” The Mayo Clinic calculates that one cup of Brussels sprouts boasts 4.5 grams of fiber.

RELATED: I Replaced These 10 “Clean” Foods and I’ve Never Looked Better

Avocado

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Avocado is packed with healthy fats – and fiber, per Asprey. However, how you eat it matters. “Eat it fresh, not blackened to avoid histamine,” he says. The USDA maintains that a 100 gram portion offers 6.8 grams fiber.

Dark Chocolate

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Looking for a sweet treat with lots of fiber? Number four on his list is chocolate. “Look for low mold and low toxic metal brands,” Asprey says. Per the USDA, 100 grams of dark chocolate boasts a shocking amount of fiber — 10.9 grams.

Pear

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Next time you are craving a fruit, reach for number five: pears. “Just don't eat them all the time because there is sugar in them,” Asprey explains. One medium pear offers 5.5 grams of fiber, per the Mayo Clinic.

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Other Fibrous Fruits and Veggies

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According to the Mayo Clinic, there are lots of other high-fiber foods. If you want some fruit, try raspberries, an apple, bananas, oranges, or strawberries. As for veggies, stick to boiled green peas, turnip greens, baked potato with skin, boiled corn, and raw cauliflower and carrots. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Even if you aren’t trying to lose weight, eating the right food – and avoiding the wrong – is a key part of health. Food is linked to everything from heart and brain health to overall longevity. So what food should you avoid at all costs? Here is what the experts say.

Doughnuts

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Blanca Garcia, RDN, and nutrition specialist at www.healthcanal.com, recommends avoiding doughnuts. “Although very tasty, doughnuts are sugar on top of sugar; the dough that it’s made of is refined flour, which, when consumed, gets absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, increasing sugar levels. But also, most doughnuts are coated with actual sugar, sugary toppings, and sugary fillings,” she says. “They are also dipped in oil, which increases the fat content. Doughnuts have an excess amount of simple carbohydrates and fat. There is no protein or vitamins and minerals to contribute to health, at no point is doughnut healthy.”

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Soda

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Blanca also suggests avoiding mainstream soft drinks. “Soda is such a common beverage in homes, restaurants, gatherings, and work gatherings. Regular soda only contributes sugar, no proteins, vitamins or minerals. There is nothing soda can do to contribute to health, it actually displaces the space of foods that do contribute to nutrients,” she says.

Fried Chicken

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Chicken is a source of protein, some vitamins and minerals can be healthy if baked, broiled, or grilled, says Blanca. “However, when deep fried with coating, it increases in simple carbohydrates from the coating and is fully engulfed in fat, which significantly increases its fat content besides the already natural fat content found in chicken.”

Nutritionally Empty Foods

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Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, CPT functional medicine dietitian and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness, stresses the importance of avoiding all nutritionally empty foods. “To lose weight, both nutrients and quality ingredients matter. ‘Nutritionally empty’ foods like chips, baked goods, fried food, and sugary beverages can get in the way of progress because they all contain lots of simple carbohydrates that are high calorie but not very filling, leaving you hungry or improperly fueled,” she says.

Sugary Drinks

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“Starting the day with a sugary coffee like Starbucks frappuccinos could be seriously impeding your weight loss goals,” says Hadley, pointing out that one Frappuccino “can easily add 300+ calories to your day without any nutrients to help keep you feeling satisfied, fueled, or even full.”

Fried Foods

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Focusing on macronutrients like protein and fat is a common goal for many looking to lose weight, but it’s important to recognize that quality also matters, says Hadley. “Fried chicken, for example, may have high protein content but the fried food can increase levels of inflammation that may actually lead to weight gain. Instead, opt for minimally processed ingredients, gentle cooking methods, and focus on adding colors from fruit and veg to fuel your body at a cellular level.”

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Foods with Ingredients You Can’t Pronounce

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Mark Hyman, MD, one of the world’s leading physicians and one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s go-to health experts, discussed foods to avoid on episode 818 of his podcast, The Doctors Farmacy. “First of all, if you read something on a label and you don’t know what it is and you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it,” Hyman instructed, listing Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, as an example as it “is a known carcinogen that’s banned in most countries except the United States.” He adds that food is “not a chemistry project,” so “if you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it.”

Refined Oils

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Refined oils are a no-no, according to Hyman. This includes canola, vegetable, soybean, corn oils, and margarine.

Hydrogenated Fats

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Hydrogenated fats are also a big fat no. Hyman explains it “means they’ve chemically altered the fat. It’s a plant oil that is liquid at room temperature and they’ve injected it with hydrogen to bind to the fats, and it’s kind of a chemical thing.” He adds that “there’s no doubt, there’s no controversy, there’s no nutrition scientist, no professional association, no government that says that this is something we should be consuming anymore. It’s just a hard no.”

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High Fructose Corn Syrup

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Another “hard rule” according to Dr. Hyman is avoiding high fructose corn syrup, because it is “not a whole food” and is “a highly processed industrial food product.” He adds that it has mercury in it and is “basically deconstructed” food. “So in normal sugar, glucose and fructose are bound together. In high fructose corn syrup, they’re not, they’re free, and it’s free fructose,” he says, explaining that it enters your body and causes insulin resistance, inflammation, and elevates uric acid. In order to absorb fructose unlike glucose, “it requires a lot more energy,” he continues, “and so when you’re eating a lot of fructose, it takes a lot of energy in the gut and that actually causes the gut to weaken and leak and become leaky. And then you get these holes in your intestine and that causes food and bacteria to leak in, causing inflammation throughout the body, which leads to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer’s, you name it, it’s really bad.”

Fast Food

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Another “no brainer” according to Hyman? “Don’t go to fast food restaurants.” He explains that a chicken nugget has “27 or 37 ingredients and one of which is chicken. Just don’t eat that food. It’s made in ways that are really bad. In fact, a burger at McDonald’s is actually, I think only 50% beef and in the rest of it’s all this weird filler and stuff that we should be eating.”

Anything with MSG

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Hyman says that “you have to be really diligent” about identifying foods that have MSG, or monosodium glutamate. “Now, this is an excitotoxin. This is something that glutamate is an important neurotransmitter that regulates something called NMDA receptors in the brain. And if you overstimulate these, it actually can lead to all kinds of brain issues and cognitive dysfunction,” he explains.

Mostly Everything in Aerosol Cans

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While certain spray cans are okay, ”aerosol is just bad for the environment. It’s bad for the ozone layer, and I wouldn’t eat it,” says Hyman.

Artificial Sweeteners

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Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided, says Hyman. Not only could they lead to weight gain, but it affects your microbiome, and can create inflammation. “It has a huge effect on your microbiome. It causes fermentation, bloating, distension, and I would really encourage you all just to stay away from the sugar alcohols for that reason,” he says. “I think stevia may be all right, monk fruit may be all right. We’re still trying to figure that out. But I would really stay away from all the other artificial sweeteners.”

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Processed Foods

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“Processed foods that have added sugars, trans fats, and artificial ingredients should be avoided at all costs. They tend to cause weight gain, swelling/inflammation, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease,” says Antoni Adamrovich, MSN, BA, APRN, FNP-C; the Chief of Medicine and Co-Founder of tb2.health.

“Try to limit your intake of beverages with high sugar (e.g., soda, artificially sweetened juices, etc.) and high-sodium foods (e.g., processed snacks, fast food, etc.). Pack your diet with nutrient-dense foods (e.g., fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, etc.),” he says. “Regularly eating these types of foods will go a long way in supporting your health and well-being. They provide your body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need, while minimizing the intake of empty calories.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A good rule to follow? If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, you might not want to eat it. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.