10 Foods Considered Bad That Are Actually Superfoods

Unless you stay well informed, we tend to mistake a lot of everyday food items to be bad for us, partly due to the way it looks or the occasions its eaten. Appearances tend to be deceiving and there are a lot of foods that you can add back into your diet to boost your health and add more variety to your daily meals and snacks.

1. FRUIT JELLY

Gelatin is a rich source of collagen, which is essential for skin elasticity and healthy joints. A study at Jikei University in Tokyo found that glycine, another component of the dessert, reduces the time it takes you to fall asleep when eaten a few hours before bed.

2. STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Japanese mushi gyoza and Chinese dim sum are typically stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, a single portion of which is enough to lower levels of disease-causing inflammation, as well as inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours, according to journal Faseb. Since they’re also steamed rather than fried means they have less than 50kcal each.

3. CANDIED PEEL

Not only do citrus peels contain more than double the vitamin C found in the fruit’s flesh, they’re also a source of salvestrol and limonene – compounds that multiple studies suggest can fight cancer.

4. PISTACHIO BUTTER

Studies show that pistachios contain more antioxidants than other nutty alternatives, with an impressive profile of BCAAs, the key amino acids linked to muscle repair.

5. MARMITE

According to studies by the University of York, Marmite can increase your levels of GABA, a chemical messenger associated with deeper sleep and reduced anxiety. This effect is due to its high levels of mood-balancing vitamin B12.

6. WASABI PEANUTS

Wasabi provides isothiocyanate nutrients, which bolster our stress-response defences. These nutrients have been implicated in cancer prevention, found to inhibit blood clots and even have anti-asthmatic effects.

7. PICKLED EGGS

Eggs are a source of choline and vitamins D whilst the cider vinegar kills many forms of bacteria and helps reduce belly fat. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that boiling protects nutrients better than frying or scrambling.

8. BUTTERED POPCORN

A study by the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found that popcorn contains more health-boosting polyphenols than most fruit and these nutrients are also better absorbed when eaten with a dose of healthy fats. Try and opt for organic butter but enjoy your popcorn guilt free.

9. RAVIOLI

New research in the BMJ Open journal has linked regular pasta consumption to a lower bodyweight. Ravioli and other forms of pasta contain carbs that turn into resistant starch that not only reduces appetite, but also increases your levels of short-chain fatty acids that might protect against cancer.

10. TOMATO KETCHUP

Contrary to popular belief, a dollop of ketchup carries many health benefits. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lycopene, an anti-cancer nutrient, is 2.5 times more easily absorbed from tomato paste than fresh tomatoes. And as lycopene is fat-soluble, pairing it with fats makes it more effective. Just opt for low-sugar options.