The late Dr Michael Mosley shared advice on so-called healthy foods
The late Dr Michael Mosley warned his followers about a number of so-called “healthy” foods that may not be as beneficial as we might believe. Before his tragic death in 2024, the fitness and nutrition expert shared a wealth of health guidance across his social media channels, through his Just One Thing podcast and his numerous books.
With supermarket shelves laden with products claiming to be the best choices for those watching their weight, it can be difficult to distinguish which ones live up to their promises. According to the health expert, many of these foods fail to deliver the nutritional benefits they advertise and may do “more harm than good”.
Writing on the Fast 800 blog in 2023, Dr Mosley said: “In a world full of food manufacturers, with clever marketing and a lack of science behind their claims, it can often become confusing to know exactly which foods are healthy when you’re navigating the supermarket.
“With huge signs at the end of each aisle, telling you exactly why the latest products will turn your health around, it’s easy to fall into their well set traps and spend a fortune on “healthy” foods that are not so healthy.”
The popular doctor outlined four foods that are marketed as healthy, but which he advised consumers to think twice about purchasing, as reported by the Daily Record.
Four ‘healthy’ foods to look out for
Low-fat products
Low-fat snacks have long been the first port of call for anyone on a health kick. However, in recent years, scientific studies have produced a wealth of fresh evidence highlighting the health advantages of full-fat products. Michael has outlined several reasons why low-fat options may not be the healthiest choice.
He explained that low-fat products are frequently depleted of their nutrients and packed with sugar and additives to compensate for the taste lost by removing the fat. These sugar-heavy, low-fat items can trigger blood sugar spikes, intensifying cravings and leading to energy crashes.
Furthermore, Michael pointed out that consuming foods abundant in mono and poly-unsaturated fats deliver rich flavour while maintaining satiety and they may even support weight reduction. He said: “A study, carried out by researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, tracked the diets of 20,000 women over a period of 20 years.
“The study found links between the consumption of full-fat dairy products (milk and cheese) and weight loss. Over a ten year period, the women who regularly consumed full-fat milk saw a lower [Body Mass Index] BMI.”
Vegetable crisps
In recent years, veggie crisps have emerged as a fashionable alternative to traditional potato versions. But according to Dr Mosley, these slim vegetable slices aren’t substantial enough to deliver any genuine nutritional benefit.
With most being fried in sunflower oil to achieve their crispiness and coated in salt for additional taste, he suggested they may be no more wholesome than those crafted from potatoes. If you’re after something crunchy and savoury to keep you going until dinner, the health expert suggests choosing raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, or gut-boosting sauerkraut and kimchi.
Bottled salad dressings
Rather than processed dressings, have a go at making your own with equal parts olive oil to balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
Flavoured porridge
A bowl of homemade porridge prepared with rolled oats and whole milk is a brilliant way to kick off the day, but the same can’t be said for those “just add water” sachets.
According to Michael, one bowl of instant oatmeal can contain up to three spoonfuls of sugar, as some brands have a whopping 16g per serving.
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