Harvard-Trained Gastroenterologist Shares 7 Common Foods That May Be Quietly Harming Your Health

A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Then comes deep-fried foods. Items like fries, pakoras and fried snacks are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Over time, they can increase inflammation and raise the risk of heart-related problems.

He also warns about cakes and pastries. These are loaded with refined flour and sugar which cause spikes in blood sugar followed by sudden crashes. That is why you often feel hungry again soon after eating them.

Another surprising one is packaged fruit juices. They may sound healthy but most lack fibre and contain concentrated sugar. Because of the lack of fibre, they also cause blood sugar levels to rise very quickly.

Sethi also says that most store-bought dressings. Many people assume salad dressings are healthy but they often contain “hidden sugars, salt with high calories” that can add up and ruin an otherwise healthy meal.

Finally, he mentions refined snacks like cookies and biscuits. These are low in nutrients, and designed in a way that makes overeating very easy. You don't feel full so you keep reaching for more.

The main idea is to understand that most of these foods are heavily processed and don't really give your body much nutrition. So instead, just stick to more fibre and nutrient-dense foods which can genuinely make a big difference to your long-term health.

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