Cardiologist Flags 3 'Healthy' Foods as Risks, Citing 20 Grams of Sugar in Protein Drinks
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jun 27
Cardiologist Flags 3 'Healthy' Foods as Risks, Citing 20 Grams of Sugar in Protein Drinks
1 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jun 27
Summary
Dr. Kyla Lara-Breitinger said three foods often marketed as healthy—protein drinks, granola and coconut oil—can raise long-term heart risks by adding sugar, saturated fat or heavy processing.
More than 20 grams of sugar can hide in some ready-to-drink protein shakes, while low-sugar versions may rely on artificial sweeteners; she urged getting protein from whole foods such as legumes or edamame.
Granola can lose fiber during processing and gain added sugar and fat, she said, making nuts, fruit or homemade granola better options for supporting cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.
Coconut oil, common in vegan snacks and baked goods, is higher in saturated fat than butter, lard or beef tallow and can help explain unexpectedly high cholesterol, she said.
The Mayo Clinic guide coauthor said the goal is not to ban foods but to make daily choices more transparent, adding that salt cravings may sometimes reflect dehydration rather than hunger.