These 6 Healthy Foods Can Be Harmful To The Body If Consumed Too Much

The term superfood or "superfood" was first used to promote bananas in the early twentieth century.

Today, the word superfood is used to describe any food that has multiple health benefits, especially those that are high in nutrients and low in calories.

While there are many advantages to consuming superfoods, overeating can be just as harmful as eating unhealthy junk food. While there are certain foods that are healthier to eat than others, we should not abuse them and allow them to harm our bodies.

Reporting from Brightside, Tuesday (7/6/2022), here is a row of healthy foods that are actually dangerous if eaten in excess.

1. Broccoli can irritate your gut

One cup of raw broccoli contains only 31 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.3 grams of fat. It is rich in fiber, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals. However, studies have found that eating too much broccoli can irritate your gut or make you bloated.

Even more worryingly, overeating broccoli and its relatives was found to have a negative effect on people taking heart medications and blood thinners because of its high vitamin K content.

2. Salmon can thin the blood

Salmon is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation. A 3-ounce serving of salmon meets nearly 30% of an adult's daily protein requirement.

While salmon is a top choice for many health-conscious individuals, excessive consumption of omega-3s can negatively impact your blood platelet count and may even thin the blood.

In addition, studies have found that eating too much fish, including salmon, can increase mercury levels in the blood.

In contrast to wild salmon, farmed salmon has been found to have nearly double the amount of fat and calories.

Recent research has also found that farmed salmon may have an association with obesity by the amount of pollutants and chemicals that can be found in agricultural waters.

3. Cinnamon can poison the body

Cinnamon is considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant content and many medicinal properties.

Capable of lowering blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and preventing heart disease, this popular apple pie condiment is considered one of the top superfoods among the spice family.

Despite all its health benefits, the amount of cinnamon we consume should be monitored up to a teaspoon a day per adult. Research has revealed that too much cinnamon can be toxic because of the coumarin it contains.

Coumarins are especially dangerous for people with liver problems and can cause liver damage with excessive intake.

4. Avocados can cause fat accumulation

Avocados have gained global popularity as a superfood in recent years due to their high nutritional properties.

One serving of avocado provides one-quarter of our adult vitamin K requirement, one-fifth of our folate requirement, and one-tenth of our daily vitamin E requirement.

This fatty fruit is also rich in omega-3s and fiber, but too much avocado can also cause inflammation, bloating, and upset stomach.

Due to their fatty nature, avocados are not only nutrient dense, but also high in calories. Like other calories, too many calories can lead to weight gain.

If you plan to include avocados in your daily meal plan, experts recommend eating 50 grams or about one-third to one-half of an avocado. 

Hummus to tuna

5. Hummus can cause obesity

Hummus is a Middle Eastern sauce made of chickpeas, sesame paste, lemon, garlic and olive oil. Individually, all ingredients contain various health benefits; but when combined, they make for a nutritious, protein-rich superfood.

Hummus is not only suitable for vegans and those with allergies to nuts, gluten, and dairy, but hummus has also been linked to improved digestive health and blood sugar control.

It is important to note that the benefits of hummus are found mainly in homemade versions. Most store-bought hummus is unhealthy and may even contain harmful ingredients, such as high amounts of sodium, unnecessary oils, and preservatives.

Over-the-counter hummus, like other processed foods, can lead to obesity and a variety of ailments, so it's best to make your own.

6. Tuna can affect your motor skills

Tuna is a lean protein rich in omega 3 and vitamin B12. Research has shown that eating tuna is good for the heart and strengthens eye health, the immune system, and lowers blood pressure.

Similar to salmon and other fish, tuna contains mercury, making it a dangerous food if consumed in large quantities and often. Poisoning from mercury manifests in memory or vision loss, physical tremors, and numbness.

Comparing the benefits of canned and fresh tuna, both are low in fat and high in protein. However, studies have shown that albacore or great white tuna has a higher mercury content compared to its smaller, darker tuna relatives. 

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