If you’ve been sticking to your resolution to lose weight and sucking down health food all month, here’s some bad news. Those healthy foods might not be as good for you as you think. Here are five health foods that have big downsides.
1. Kale. Kale has a compound in it called thiocyanate, and in high amounts it can cause hypothyroidism. So eating too much kale while you’re trying to lose weight can actually LOWER your metabolism.
2. Avocados. A whole avocado has 250 calories, which is more than a hamburger at McDonald’s. A standard serving size is actually 50 calories, but that’s only one-fifth of an avocado.
3. Salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3s, selenium, B12, and protein. But it also contains mercury, which is a neurotoxin. And too much of it can cause mercury poisoning and neurological damage. Doctors say you can safely eat 12 ounces of it per week, or about two servings.
4. Quinoa. There’s a naturally occurring chemical in it called saponins, and some research suggests it causes stomach discomfort and damage to your stomach lining.
5. Goji berries. Gram-per-gram, they have the same number of calories and grams of sugar as a STARBURST. Of course goji berries have more vitamins, but if you’re watching your carbs or you’re diabetic, they’re basically candy.
