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In fact, everyone knows that arsenic is poisonous. But did you know that the toxin is also found in rice? In this article you will find out what dangers the substance poses to children.

How does arsenic get into rice?

Arsenic is a metalloid that occurs naturally in the ground – more or less often depending on geological conditions. Types of grain, including rice plants, absorb arsenic compounds through their roots. These get into the fruit via the metabolism.

Rice is grown in flooded fields because it thrives best in wet, humid conditions. More arsenic ends up in the rice plants via the water than in other cereals that are cultivated dry.

How much arsenic ends up on the consumer’s plate depends not only on the regional soil conditions, but also on the processing of the rice grains. Because the arsenic settles in particular on the edge of the grains.

How much arsenic does rice contain?

Consumers cannot see how much arsenic the purchased rice contains. According to the BfR, the amount of rice that an adult can eat without causing health problems has not yet been researched.

According to the Federal Institute, the average amounts of arsenic in white rice are between 0.1 and 0.2 milligrams per kilogram. Brown, so-called natural rice, contains more inorganic arsenic because the outer layers are largely removed from white rice. Higher amounts than in white rice were also measured in rice cakes and rice flakes.

Is that why children are not allowed to eat rice?

The BfR assessment, according to which it is not very likely that the consumption of rice leads to health risks, applies to all age groups: adults, the elderly as well as children and infants.

Nevertheless, the BfR recommends parents not to feed their infants and small children exclusively with rice-based drinks or complementary foods such as rice porridge. According to the experts, products such as rice cakes should also vary with snacks without rice.

In addition, the BfR points out that rice-based baby food does not meet the needs of infants anyway due to the unsuitable nutrient composition.

Does washing rice help?

It is difficult to wash out the arsenic compounds from finished products such as rice porridge or rice snacks.

For rice itself, the BfR recommends washing it in plenty of water and boiling it immediately before consumption. In the case of rice with small amounts of arsenic, some of this can migrate into the water.
The cooking water should be poured off immediately after cooking.

Arsenic-free rice coming soon?

In a study published in spring, a Chinese research team, including scientists from the University of Heidelberg, succeeded in finding a travel plant that defies dangerous arsenic.

The researchers exposed over 4,000 rice varieties to arsenic-containing water and observed their growth. Only one of the examined plants with the name “astol1” proved to be tolerant to the toxic metalloid.

The plant develops the amino acid cysteine, which is an important element for the plant’s own development of phytochelatins. These substances have a detoxifying effect and are formed by plants in response to pollutants. The neutralized arsenic is stored in the roots of the plant before it reaches the rice grains and can become dangerous to humans. Scientists consider this plant particularly suitable for agricultural use.

Especially in autumn and winter it is not advisable to buy fruit and vegetables indiscriminately. What looks harmless and tasty at first glance can even be harmful to health on closer inspection. We explain which 11 foods you should better avoid.

Diet in autumn and winter: These 11 foods are bad for you, those around you and the environment

Even in autumn and winter, our refrigerators and fruit baskets are well stocked. But: often with the “wrong” foods. Anyone who is mindful when shopping is not only doing something good for their own health, but also for the environment and those around them.

1. Strawberries

Unsurprisingly, strawberries are no longer in season in autumn and winter and therefore mainly come from abroad, such as Spain. However, these plantations have often been criticized for exploitative working conditions, massive use of pesticides and questionable irrigation methods. Be careful with strawberries from Germany. In this country, these only mature with considerable electricity consumption and are therefore not an environmentally friendly alternative.

2. Imported apples

Imported apples are generally not recommended and basically unnecessary. In any case, fresh apples from the region are available until mid-December, which do not have to be refrigerated using a lot of energy.

3. Green salad

Lettuce, iceberg lettuce or Batavia are less recommended in autumn and winter. They come from heated greenhouses and end up in the store “immature”. They not only contain less taste, but also fewer nutrients such as vitamins and phytochemicals and should therefore ideally not be consumed at all.
Fortunately, other salads are in season: lamb’s lettuce, chicory, endive or purslane can end up on our plates without worry.

4. Imported nuts

Unfortunately, many types of nuts also come from abroad and should therefore be avoided. However, we also grow nuts: walnuts and hazelnuts are particularly recommended and healthy.

5. Conventional citrus fruits

Residues of pesticides and preservatives are repeatedly found in conventional citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines and lemons. Manufacturers often cheat and write “untreated” on their goods, even though they use pesticides. Prefer to buy fair trade organic fruit.

6. Conventional ACE juice

Many people like to drink an ACE juice in the morning and hope that they will do something good for themselves. But the fruit content in normal ACE juice is only between 20 and 60 percent. Water, sugar or sweeteners are often added. However, the added vitamins usually come from the laboratory and are therefore not necessarily recommended. If you like to drink fruit juices, it is best to use organic not-from-concentrate juices.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very popular. Unfortunately, in the cold season, almost all of them come from Spain, France or the Netherlands, where they are grown in greenhouses. The better alternative: organic tomatoes from the jar. These are harvested when ripe and therefore taste a lot better than imported goods.

8. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are also not recommended in autumn and winter. They are in season with us from June to the end of October. The imported goods have fewer healthy nutrients and long transport routes. You can often find cucumbers in the supermarket only wrapped in plastic so that they are better protected during transport.

9. Zucchini

Although the zucchini belongs to the pumpkin family, it is only in season from June to the end of October. Therefore: Better to use Hokkaido or Butternut. These are also available from us until December.

10. Conventional tea

Exploitation, discrimination and poverty are the order of the day in conventional tea plantations. Therefore, you should be particularly careful when shopping for tea. It is best to only buy black and green tea from fair trade and with the EU organic seal.

11. Imported Grapes

We also have to say goodbye to delicious grapes. From November, grapes mostly come from South Africa, India, Chile, Peru or Brazil. Conventional grapes are also often heavily contaminated with pesticides. Grapes should therefore primarily be bought regionally, during the season and in organic quality.

Vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. However, some varieties contain toxins when raw, so you should always cook these foods before eating them. In addition to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache and headaches, consumption in the uncooked state can even lead to death in the worst case.

Poison in raw food: You should never eat these varieties raw

In addition to potatoes, beans, aubergines, mushrooms, cassava, elderberries and rhubarb, you should never eat zucchini raw. Because there is a risk of dangerous poisoning. In the worst case, there is even a risk of death.

1. Potatoes

You should never eat potatoes raw. The reason: the solanine contained in raw potatoes is toxic. The solanine is a glycoalkaloid and serves as a natural toxin meant to protect the potato. This substance is primarily found in the skin and in new shoots. If a potato was supposedly stored incorrectly and is already sprouting many new shoots, it is better to throw it away. Simply cutting away the shoots is not always advisable, because the more young shoots the potato has, the more solanine there is in the tuber.

The consumption of toxic solanine is reflected in nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Most of the solanine evaporates through cooking. Interesting: You can eat sweet potatoes raw without any problems, as they are not related to the potato.

2. Eggplants

It is similar to the potatoes with the aubergines. They also contain the poisonous bitter substance solanine, which can be rendered harmless by cooking. Aubergines are nightshade plants, which usually all form solanine. In some modern breeds there is hardly any evidence of this toxic substance, so these aubergines can also be eaten raw. However, hardly anyone will do that, since aubergines taste inedible raw.

In the past, it was common practice to salt the aubergine before cooking so that it loses the bitterness. Nowadays, however, this is no longer necessary as the new breeds contain very few. However, salting the eggplant makes it softer and gives it a more pleasant consistency.

3. Beans

The Bavarian Consumer Center advises against consuming raw beans. Because the consumption of phasin contained in uncooked beans can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Phasin is a toxic protein compound that can be rendered harmless by cooking. If you throw the beans in boiling water for at least ten minutes, you no longer have to worry. However, the bean water should then also be thrown away, because the solanine is now in it.

The consequences of eating raw beans are headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. However, too many raw beans can be deadly. Children are particularly at risk because they weigh little.

4. Mushrooms

Some mushrooms are edible raw, while others are not. As a rule, cultivated mushrooms, such as button mushrooms or shiitake, can also be eaten raw. Mushrooms that grow wild in the forest usually have to be prepared to make them non-toxic. Honey fungus in particular is responsible for many mushroom poisonings in Germany. By cooking the mushrooms* you also render the fox tapeworm harmless. Mushrooms that should only be eaten cooked include:
witch bolete
chestnut mushroom
pearl fungus
redcaps
morels
milk patty
honey fungus

5. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is especially toxic to those suffering from gout or kidney disease. The toxicity is due to the oxalic acid it contains, but it is harmless to healthy people – at least in the amounts normally found in rhubarb. When harvesting, the later in the year the rhubarb is harvested, the more oxalic acid it contains. And the more toxic it is for people who are already ill. Good to know: There is more oxalic acid in the leaves than in the sticks.

6. Elderberry

Even the elderberry is said to be poisonous? Yes, it contains the poison sambunigrin. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. The sambunigrin only loses its toxicity when the berries are heated, which is why you should never eat elderberries raw. The berries follow the elderberry blossom, which can be admired between May and June. Just like the berries, you can also use the blossoms – for example to make a delicious syrup.

7. Cassava

In many parts of the world, for example in South America, Africa and Asia, the cassava tuber is one of the staple foods, similar to the potato in our country. For this reason, the tuber is also called “tropical potato”. It is one of the spurge plants and has its origins in Brazil.

You should never eat the cassava tuber raw because it contains hydrocyanic acid. Specifically, linamarin, a hydrocyanic glycoside that fuses with the enzyme linase to produce hydrocyanic acid. However, the poison is rendered harmless during cooking, but the cooking water should be thrown away.

Special case zucchini

Zucchinis are a special case: raw zucchini are particularly healthy. This is because the raw squash contains more vitamins and nutrients than the cooked version. The shell contains a particularly large amount of healthy substances, which is why eating untreated organic zucchini is recommended.

However, if the raw zucchini tastes bitter, it is better to keep your hands off it. The bitter taste comes from cucurbitacins, which are poisonous bitter substances. These serve to protect the zucchini, which nowadays has been almost completely bred away. However, if the zucchini plant is exposed to severe drought, the cucurbitacins can still develop. Even small amounts lead to nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset. In extreme cases, however, even to death.

Important: If the zucchini tastes bitter, you should dispose of it immediately, because even if you cook the vegetable, it does not lose its toxicity.

Conclusion: That’s how dangerous the toxic raw food is

Many people already know that potatoes should not be eaten raw. But the same goes for beans, cassava, eggplant, elderberries, mushrooms, rhubarb, and even some zucchini. These vegetables all contain toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in the worst cases even death.

Green beans have a reputation for being a very healthy protein bomb. But under certain circumstances, the delicious garden vegetables are poisonous. Even the Bavarian consumer advice center warns.

Why green beans are poisonous

Unlike most vegetables, green beans cannot be eaten raw. They owe this fact to a specific component of the bean: phasin. The toxic molecule is a protein compound that, according to the Bavarian consumer advice center, is found in many types of fruit and vegetables. In comparison, however, raw beans contain a particularly large amount of phasin.

Phasin is actually a substance that is supposed to protect the beans. Plants have a variety of natural defense mechanisms against predators. Some rely on spikes, for example, while others prefer toxic substances. Even though green beans have been cultivated for centuries, they still contain their natural defenses.

The different defense mechanisms of plants do not all work in the same way. Beans and their phasin cause red blood cells to stick together and thus impede the transport of oxygen in the blood. In addition, phasin damages the epithelial cells in the intestine and thus disrupts the absorption of nutrients.

What does eating raw beans do?

The phasin thus hits sensitive areas in the body and can cause significant reactions. However, the reaction to the poison depends on the amount consumed. Eating some raw beans can cause mild stomach upset, intestinal inflammation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Consuming large amounts of raw beans can also lead to death. According to the Bavarian Consumer Center, the first symptoms appear after about two to three hours. However, signs of bean poisoning can vary in severity.

Because of their low body weight, children are particularly at risk. For them, a very small amount of 5 to 6 raw beans is enough to be deadly. Children should therefore be made aware of the danger if, for example, they play with beans in a garden. Should a case of poisoning nevertheless occur, medical advice must be obtained as quickly as possible, if necessary via the poison control center.

Phasin poisoning is easy to prevent

For all bean lovers, however, the all-clear is clear: fortunately, phasin is not very persistent
Incidentally, the steam cooker often used for vegetables is not suitable for beans. The gentle cooking process does not reach the required temperature to completely destroy the phasin. Green bean blanching water must also be discarded as it contains a significant amount of phasin.

More and more people are opting for a vegetarian or vegan diet.

6 good reasons to give up meat

“Do you have anything vegetarian?” Not so long ago, this question made the staff roll their eyes in some restaurants. In the meantime, meatless dishes can be found on many menus as a matter of course. Vegetarians and vegans are hardly ever looked at askance. Too many people rely on this diet for that. The reasons for this diet speak for themselves.

1. Vegetarian diet is good for climate protection

Those who do without meat ensure lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study by the environmental protection organization WWF, around 25 percent of the climate footprint of an average person living in Germany is due to their diet.

Animal products account for the largest share (69 percent). Meat in particular should be mentioned here – beef is the most harmful to the climate – but dairy products should also be given more attention here. “Our current food systems pose one of the greatest challenges to our planet and the continued existence of humanity on Earth,” says the WWF study.

2. Meat consumption consumes a lot of resources

About 15 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted worldwide can be traced back to keeping livestock. Cattle, for example, emit large amounts of methane gas. Alongside the energy sector and transport, industrial animal husbandry is one of the main causes of climate change.

The production of one kilogram of beef, for example, produces a good 13 kilograms of CO2 equivalents, while the figure for fruit and vegetables is well under one kilogram. For the production of one kilogram of beef, up to 16 kilograms of grain are required as feed. “Industrial animal husbandry and the cultivation of animal feed take up 80 percent of all pasture and arable land in the world. In Germany, animal feed alone accounts for 60 percent of the arable land,” writes Greenpeace, for example.

If the arable land were used for the production of plant-based food instead, significantly more people could be fed.

3. Meat production uses a lot of water

Animal products contain much more water than plant-based ones. This is also referred to as “virtual water”, the total amount of water used in the manufacture of a product until it ends up on our plate or in our cupboard.

An example from the organization Peta: On average, 2,350 liters of virtual water are needed to produce a 150-gram beef burger, while an average of just over 150 liters of water is needed for a soy burger. The difference is also extreme when it comes to soy milk: just under 300 virtual liters of water are required for one liter of soy drink, while cow’s milk requires more than 1,000 liters.

4. Eating too much meat is unhealthy

Overall, according to the German Society for Nutrition, Germans eat twice as much meat as recommended by health experts. A quantity of 300 to 600 grams of meat per week would be significantly healthier, i.e. half of the current per capita consumption. Processed meat (sausage, ham) is even classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meat from conventional husbandry is also often treated with medication such as antibiotics. Anyone who eats a lot of meat therefore runs the risk of developing resistance to antibiotics.

5. Vegetarian diet protects animals

The grievances in factory farming have long been known: farm animals are often kept and killed under cruel, undignified circumstances. Keeping dairy cows is also often anything but animal-friendly.

On the other hand, more organic products in the shopping basket and the consideration of replacing some dairy products with vegan alternatives such as oat milk help.

6. Eating meat isn’t “natural” or “necessary”

People who eat meat and other animal products like to argue that it’s “natural” and “necessary.” But much contradicts this claim: not a few people get sick at the sight of blood, let alone a dead animal body. Dead bodies repel us.

In addition, our tooth structure and the human swallowing reflex have the characteristics of herbivores: We do not “tear” our food and do not swallow it in large chunks, but chew and swallow it, as Geo.de writes, among others.

Conclusion: Vegetarian diet has only advantages

In conclusion, it can be said that there is a lot to be said for a vegetarian or vegan diet. A meatless diet is good for the environment, animals and ourselves.

Oatmeal is considered healthy. In some cases and combinations, however, they can also become unhealthy.

When oatmeal can be unhealthy

Oatmeal is considered a nutritious and filling food. In addition to iron, magnesium and biotin, they receive other healthy nutrients. They give you energy for the day and also for sports, for example. Externally, the use of oatmeal can also have health-promoting effects.

So that the positive effect does not turn into the opposite, you should pay attention to a few points. Oatmeal can become unhealthy in these three cases:

In combination with too much sugar: If you eat fresh, pure oatmeal for your morning breakfast, you can sweeten your portion as you like. It can become problematic if you use ready-made muesli mixtures, as they can contain a large amount of sugar.
Incorrect storage: It is also important that you store oatmeal correctly. In particular, if you are stocking up, you should make sure that it is stored in a cool, dark and dry place so that, for example, there is no breeding ground for pests. The humidity should also remain the same. It is ideal if you free the oatmeal from the original packaging and pack it airtight. If the oatmeal has expired, you should check whether it is still edible or not; you shouldn’t eat them if they’re rancid, for example.
Oatmeal Only: Be careful not to overeat on oatmeal. Since these have a satiating effect, it can lead to you not really feeling hungry and missing out on a balanced, healthy diet that is necessary for you and your body, for example for muscle maintenance and muscle building.
The consumption of oat flakes can also lead to symptoms and allergic reactions for people with an intolerance to oats or an oat allergy. If you suffer from a gluten intolerance, you should be careful with the consumption of oatmeal.

Tip: Also pay attention to the quality of the oatmeal. Oatmeal contaminated with nickel, mold and mineral oil is not good for your health.

Not all foods can also be optimally combined with each other: While some food combinations have a healthy effect on our body, others should be avoided.

Combinations you should avoid

The first combination to avoid is white bread with jam. What is a popular breakfast for many should be avoided in the future: the bread contains many simple carbohydrates. If you eat this in combination with jam, your blood sugar level will rise briefly and then quickly drop again. The result is a feeling of ravenous hunger due to a lack of satiety and lack of strength. Alternatives for breakfast are needed: for example, choose wholemeal bread with a spread, a healthy porridge or yoghurt with fresh fruit.

If you eat a dish with lentils, you should avoid drinking red wine with it. The reason for this is that the tannins contained in red wine inhibit iron absorption. However, iron is important for our body; plant-based iron is very important, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian. If, for example, you choose lemon juice or another drink containing vitamin C instead of red wine, iron absorption can even be promoted.

The combination of salad and a fat-free dressing should also be avoided. The reason: Fat-free dressing prevents the body from absorbing the vitamins ideally. There is an inhibited absorption of vitamins, since many plant foods such as carrots need the fat in order to be able to be absorbed by the body. So a better idea is to add a few drops of an oil to the salad, for example.

Other food combinations to avoid

Another very popular combination is black tea with milk. Black tea is best known for containing anti-inflammatory antioxidants. However, if you add milk to the tea, the antioxidants are bound by the milk proteins and cannot be absorbed by the body. The calcium contained in the milk can also only be poorly absorbed by the body due to the caffeine in the tea. If you want to avoid this effect, you could, for example, add some lemon juice to the tea for better absorption of the antioxidants.

With a view to health, burgers and beer should ideally not be combined. Because even if the taste is perhaps very convincing, this can lead to small fat deposits over a long period of time. The reason for this: The body first starts to break down the alcohol and only then with the fat reduction. If you want to avoid the risk of unnecessary fat deposits on your hips, you should rather reach for a glass of water with the burger.

Another combination to avoid is alcohol with caffeine. Even if the caffeine often seems to be good after a night of heavy drinking, it ensures that the effects of the alcohol cannot be properly perceived. If you’re at a party, it’s better to have tea or water the day after.

Drinking a lot is known to be very important. An adult needs between two and three liters of fluid a day. But you should rather do without three drinks.

#1 Lemonade

One of the favorite drinks of many people are sodas, like cola or similar. But because of their high sugar content, they not only damage the teeth, but also our intestinal flora. The excessive sweetener promotes both obesity and inflammation, which can lead to various diseases.

Consumption of sugary sodas increases the risk of disease

Cola in particular is very high on the red list with almost ten teaspoons of sugar. Regular consumption of sugary drinks can significantly increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver.

#2 alcohol

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a white sausage breakfast or a champagne reception, especially in Germany a beer after work or a glass of wine with dinner is part of the order of the day – but regular alcohol consumption is bad for your health. It is well known that alcohol damages the liver: regular drinking can lead to fatty liver or cardiovascular diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. But excessive consumption can also cause damage to the brain. This is mainly shown by a poor memory or lack of concentration.

Moderation rather than abstinence counts when it comes to alcohol consumption

Alcohol is a trigger for many diseases, which is why the motto when consuming alcoholic beverages applies: in moderation, not in bulk! You don’t have to give up alcohol completely, but reducing your consumption can’t hurt.

#3 Energy drinks

Pupils and students in particular like to use an energy drink as an energy booster or pick-me-up during the exam phases or after a long night of partying. But just like sodas, these drinks also have a very high sugar content, which has a negative effect on health.

In addition to sugar, energy drinks also contain caffeine. This can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which is why these drinks should be consumed with caution, especially by people with cardiovascular diseases.

Trembling and sweating after energy drinks: be careful with pick-me-ups

Regular consumption can lead to nausea, headaches, insomnia, nervousness and sweating. Particularly heavy consumption of energy drinks can trigger cardiovascular diseases and circulatory collapse.

Everyone knows this rule of thumb: Cold makes many foods last longer. But not every product belongs in the refrigerator. We tell you eleven foods that the temperatures in the refrigerator do more harm than good.

Do tomatoes have to go in the fridge? Cold is poison for these foods:

Not everything is suitable for the refrigerator and automatically stays fresh longer there – the cold even damages many types of fruit and vegetables. Especially foods that come from the south like it warm to keep their aroma.

#1 Bananas

They hardly tolerate the cold in the refrigerator and quickly develop brown spots if stored incorrectly. The unsuitable temperature will damage your cell tissue.

#2 Avocados

Just like bananas, avocados are harvested unripe and are therefore usually bought when they are still solid. It is best to keep them at room temperature to let them ripen. As soon as the avocado is ripe, it should be eaten quickly and not kept at all.

#3 Tomatoes

Vegetables with a high water content soften much more quickly in the refrigerator. Most people automatically put tomatoes and cucumbers in the fridge, but they quickly get old and shriveled there. Water-rich vegetables should not be stored below 10 degrees. A cool, dry cellar is much better suited for fresh storage.

#4 Onions

They play a role in many dishes, but in order to preserve the flavor of the onions, they should not be stored in the refrigerator. To fully develop their aroma, onions should be stored in a dry, oxygen-rich place.

#5 Honey

When stored properly, honey will last for years without suffering any loss in quality. But the refrigerator is not the right place to store this product. Temperatures that are too cold make the honey hard and difficult to spread. Instead, it is best stored tightly closed, dry and away from light. A kitchen cupboard would be a good solution here, for example.

#6 Bread

If the bread is kept in an air-poor environment, such as in the refrigerator, moisture builds up and it starts to go mouldy. That would be a pity, especially with homemade bread. Baked goods are better stored at room temperature in air-permeable containers. However, wooden bread boxes are not suitable here, because the food tends to dry out here. It is best to grab a clay vessel.

#7 Lemons

Citrus fruits come from the south and therefore come from warm regions. As a result, they prefer room temperatures and not refrigerator temperatures. Oranges, mangoes and grapefruits also lose their flavor intensity if they are stored too cold.

#8 Potatoes

In order not to let potatoes become shriveled and go bad, you should not store them in the refrigerator. Due to the cold, the potato converts its starch into sugar and thus develops a sweet, unpleasant taste. It is better to store the potatoes in a cool, dry and dark cellar room.

#9 coffee

Many people store coffee powder or coffee beans in the refrigerator because of the myth that it retains a better aroma. In reality, however, exactly the opposite is the case. Because the coffee loses its taste due to the cold and may even absorb unpleasant odors. It is better to store the powder well sealed and dry in a kitchen cupboard.

#10 Oil

Actually, the oil keeps for weeks at room temperature and therefore does not have to be put in the refrigerator. If the temperature is too low, the oil develops a flaky or buttery consistency, which is why it is better kept in a kitchen cupboard.

#11 Garlic

The garlic is very similar to the onion mentioned above. Garlic often becomes rubbery or moldy in cool temperatures. Like the onion, it should therefore be stored in a dry, oxygen-rich place.

Too much sugar, few vitamins, harmful ingredients: a lot of what we eat is unhealthier than we realize. We have put together 12 foods that you should better avoid in the future.

We believe that some foods are healthy. In reality, they are unhealthy and unnecessary. As with many pleasures in life, the same applies to food: the dose makes the poison. Many of the foods that end up on our tables almost every day are unhealthier than we thought – and simply unnecessary. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consume them at all, but we should turn to healthier alternatives more often. These are available for almost all of the twelve foods that we present below.

1. Diet, zero and light products: Low in calories, but absolutely unhealthy
2. Protein bars: Only recommended for athletes – unsightly side effects
3. Microwave popcorn: Toxic fumes damage the lungs – stay away
4. Vegan sausage: Unfortunately, there are hardly any healthy ingredients – then it’s better to avoid them altogether
5. Breakfast cereals: High in sugar, low in vitamins – only briefly more energy
6. Rice: Beware of harmful substances – it is better to use whole grain rice
7. Instant vegetable broth: make it better and healthier yourself
8. Ready-to-eat lettuce: A real germ spinner – and not healthy at all
9. Nutella: For the unhealthy breakfast – Contains palm oil
10. White flour products: Lots of carbohydrates, little fiber
11. ACE juice: High sugar content – increases risk of cancer
12. Cured sausage and meat: Possible carcinogens

Conclusion: A balanced diet is important

You certainly would not have thought of these 12 foods that we regularly eat with us, but some of which are really unhealthy. Who assumes that rice, veggie sausage or lettuce are unhealthy?

So if you want to eat healthier, you should keep your hands off some foods – or at least eat less of them. It’s not that difficult: Most can be replaced with a healthier option, for example white bread with whole grain bread, cured meat products with unprocessed ones, or packaged lettuce with fresh, unpackaged lettuce.

The basic rule is: Always ensure you eat a balanced diet with a large proportion of vitamins, nutrients and dietary fiber and primarily eat unprocessed foods. Then you really can’t go wrong.