Looks Can Be Deceiving: 6 Foods You Didn't Know Were Harmful to Your Health

They might appear harmless, but consuming them regularly can affect your health. Watch out for these 6 foods:

1. French Fries

These are essentially all deep-fried foods, which contain a harmful chemical called acrylamide, and French fries are no exception. Acrylamide increases the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and rectal cancer. For a healthier version, try drizzling a little olive oil over sliced potatoes or sweet potatoes, add a hint of salt, and bake in the oven.

2. Energy Bars

It is highly recommended to avoid energy bars. They often contain a lot of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives. Moreover, they are a calorie-packed treat, filled with sugar and industrial additives, so it's worth reconsidering.

3. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is often added to soups and other dishes, giving the illusion of a healthy diet. However, most store-bought pastes are high in sugar, increasing the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay.

To bypass this unhealthy sweetness, use fresh crushed tomatoes or purchase paste without added sugar and salt, and add spices as desired at home.

4. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks cause numerous damages, from affecting blood sugar levels and skin complexion to impacting hormones and mood. Do not be tempted by drinks with added vitamins or nutrients, as all they offer is sugar (or alternatively artificial sweeteners, which have high health risks), preservatives, and food coloring. It's better to drink water or natural juices, and if you want to feel the fizz, you can make plain soda at home.

5. Sausages

Sausages contain preservatives that are harmful to health. In the past, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in the USA compared the effects of consuming sausages to smoking cigarettes. Additionally, it's important to know that sausages contain excessive sodium and other toxins that increase cancer risk.

6. Salad Dressings

Pre-made salad dressings contain sugar, food coloring, and high fructose corn syrup. In other words, it is better to skip such salad seasonings and use a healthy alternative: take lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Enjoy your meal.