Nesquik is a magic tool that turns plain, boring, flavorless milk into a delicious treat. It’s been a staple in many families for years in different parts of the world. It would help if you remembered scooping up some chocolate powder from the jar now and then to fill your mouth with the rich taste of the grainy chocolate and get lost in it. 

But is Nesquik healthy enough for adults and children to enjoy every day? 

This article breaks down the health factors of Nesquik’s Chocolate/ Strawberry/ Banana goodness for you.

You may also like: Is Turkey Sausage Healthy?

Is Nesquik Healthy? What Makes it Good for You

If something has a LOT of added sugar, it is generally discouraged by health experts. 

Even though there are some major health risks associated with drink mixes like Nesquik (which we will discuss later), it can still benefit you, nutrition-wise. Let’s see how. 

Creates an Appetite for Milk:

Children and most adults generally hate drinking plain milk, but they love flavored milkshakes.

So just stir up some chocolate/banana/strawberry Nesquik in a glass of milk and watch your kids down it in one go.

This way, they get their required nutrients from milk while enjoying it. 

Antioxidants from Cocoa:

Cocoa is a prime ingredient in Nesquik’s chocolate-flavored powder, syrup, and ready-to-drink chocolate milk. Whoever said chocolate was bad probably never told you how great an antioxidant cocoa powder is.

A plant-based substance present in Cocoa, called flavonols, contains the antioxidants that prevent cell damage in our bodies.

The Ready-to-Drink Milkshakes are Sources of Important Nutrients:

Even though the powders and syrups are not fortified with essential micronutrients, Nesquik flavored milk is packed with good nutrients. 

A serving of 8 fluid ounces of low-fat chocolate milk provides 8 grams of protein and 32% of the daily value for calcium. 

Fourteen fluid ounces of strawberry low-fat milk contain 14 grams of protein, 56% of the daily value for calcium, 22% of the daily value for Vitamin D, and 29% for that of Vitamin A. 

Calcium protects the bones, and vitamin D is the agent that ensures the body’s successful absorption of calcium. 

Protein from the low-fat milk also helps strengthen bones and develop muscles in kids.

Post-Workout Treat:

Did you know? You can treat yourself to a cup of milk shaken with Nesquik of any flavor without messing up your progress! 

These drinks have the perfect carbohydrate-to-protein ratio needed to reinstate muscle glycogen levels after a workout. Many sports scientists recommend them as “the best recovery drink in the market.” 

Studies have shown that chocolate milk drinkers perform better at sports than unflavored milk drinkers. Human digestive systems are naturally accustomed to chocolate and chocolate flavor.

Even the high sugar content in Nesquik chocolate milk or chocolate powder is suitable for your athletic feat. Carbs in the sugar restore your energy after a vigorous workout.

No Harmful Artificial Additions:

Unlike other processed foods, Nesquik isn’t packed with artificial ingredients. The packaging clearly states that the product doesn’t contain any harmful artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.

It is also free of high fructose corn syrup. Excessive consumption of HFCS causes inflammation, liver and heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes. 

While the absence of these artificial components doesn’t make the drink exactly “healthy,” it still makes them a lot less unhealthy than their counterparts of other brands.

No Added Sugar:

Just because Nesquik flavorings have unhealthy added sugar does not mean you have to boycott the brand altogether. This chocolate drink powder has a variant with no added sugar!

With only 40 calories per two tablespoons, this drink mix is richer in protein, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin C than the regular Nesquik chocolate drink powder.

You may also like: Is Oxtail Healthy?

Is Nesquik Not for You?

Now let’s look at some “unhealthy” Nesquik facts that might make you side with the health nuts who tell you to avoid it. 

Processed:

Nesquik drink powders and syrups are artificially made and highly processed. The processing method removes the good nutrients from the main product and replaces them with artificial nutrients.

If you look at the ingredients list at the back of a jar of the Nesquik Chocolate Powder, you’ll see an ingredient named Cocoa Processed with Alkali. These processed cocoa beans give the powder a better color and lighter flavor and make it less acidic and more soluble. 

However, processing cocoa this way damages the flavonols present in them.

Lots of Added Sugar:

The most pressing health issue in Nesquik drink powders and syrups is the tremendous amount of added sugar in these products. One tablespoon of the chocolate powder and the same amount of chocolate syrup has 12 grams of added sugar! This is half the daily recommended amount of added sugar for kids (less than 25g).

There’s more; the recommended serving size of two tablespoons of the Strawberry Drink Powder has 14 grams of added sugar in it. That’s three and a half teaspoons of added sugar going inside your body every day, just from a glass of milk. 

Every day, this much sugar, alongside added sugar from other sources, is nowhere near healthy. 

A regular intake of excess sugar begets obesity, risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Don’t forget tooth decay- something you don’t want to happen to your child at a young age.

Even though Nestle reduced added sugar levels in Nesquik’s flavored powders and ready-to-drink beverages back in 2015 following a backlash, the existing sugar content is still very high. 

Controversial Ingredient:

Another ingredient you’ll notice on the back of Nesquik jars is carrageenan. It is a processed red seaweed and a usual element in many recipes. 

Why is carrageenan bad? Apparently, carrageenan consumption is linked to bloating, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and colon cancer.

Maybe there’s no need to start panicking because some scientists oppose these deductions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still considers carrageenan as a safe ingredient. 

However, it has failed to meet the standards of the National Organic Standards Board. Foods containing carrageenan are therefore not “USDA Organic.” 

Sugar Substitute:

The “no sugar added” Nesquik chocolate drink powder uses maltodextrin as a sugar substitute. This intensely processed powdered carbohydrate has a higher glycemic index than your regular table sugar.

So, immediately after consuming a food containing it (Nesquik chocolate powder in this case), this ingredient spikes blood sugar levels.

Foods containing maltodextrin can also damage the balance of bacteria in the human gut and may cause various bacterial diseases.

No Added Micronutrients:

Nesquik’s regular chocolate and strawberry syrups do not have any essential micronutrients, such as vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium. The chocolate drink powder has a teensy bit of iron and potassium, and the strawberry powder has some calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Nothing healthy will go into your system without these micronutrients when you consume these powders and syrups. 

Therefore the products are marketed with the mention of semi-skimmed milk to let you know that Nesquik cares about your and your kid’s nutrition content.

You may also like: Why Does Healthy Food Taste Bad?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all Nesquik beverages, powders, and syrups have vitamin A and D?

The regular drink powders and syrups don’t have added vitamin A and D, but all the low-fat Ready-to-Drink low-fat milk and Protein Powders do.

Should Nesquik be given to toddlers?

Most health experts will recommend against it because a toddler is in a developing stage. The nutritional value in Nesquik products isn’t enough to counter the risks of dental cavities due to high levels of refined sugar in them. 

Is Nesquik safe to drink during pregnancy?

If you’re having a little milkshake craving while pregnant, you can drink the chocolate, banana, and strawberry beverages made from homogenized and pasteurized milk. 

Also, Nesquik Vanilla, Strawberry, and Banana are all caffeine-free.

Will Nesquik hamper your weight loss progress?

You can pair the “No Added Sugar” chocolate powder with low-fat milk or cow milk alternatives to quench your chocolate milk cravings during your weight loss journey.

Final Words

Is Nesquik healthy? Well, if you still want to consume it, just do so in moderation. It’s lovely as a treat occasionally. On other days, look for healthier substitutes that can partner with milk for your child’s appetite.

Turkey sausage has been gaining popularity as a substitute or alternative to pork sausage. Some people tout it as a healthier option, boasting the same protein content and tasting great. How many of these claims are true?

In this article, we’ll be looking at the nutritional information of turkey sausage and try to answer the question; is turkey sausage healthy? 

We’ll also be comparing other breeds of sausage to give you a better understanding of the health benefits.

You may also like: Turkey Bolognese

Nutrition Information About Turkey Sausage

Let’s look at the nutritional content of turkey sausage. We will be considering one serving of turkey sausage when listing these:

Protein:

One of the most important things to consider about turkey sausage is the protein content. Protein helps maintain your muscles and keeps you feeling energized for the day. So high sources of protein are often seen as a great breakfast meal.

Turkey sausage contains a good deal of protein. One serving contains 11 grams worth of protein, making it ideal for breakfasts, giving you the right amount of protein, and leaving you feeling full for a long while. 

Grounded turkey sausage has a similar amount of protein to other sausages such as pork, making it an excellent substitute or change for your taste buds.

Smoked turkey, in particular, is a popular dish. It’s less fatty while also still retaining a decent protein content making it a great option to eat.

Fat Content:

Next, we’ll be looking at the fat content of turkey sausage. In this respect, turkey sausage is comparatively healthier than many of its alternatives. It has less saturated fat, which is good since it is more harmful to the human body. 

Saturated fat can lead to blood clots and affect oxygen transportation. One serving of turkey sausage usually has one or two grams of saturated fat. This further reinforces its claims to be a healthier alternative and a satisfying breakfast.

It also contains fat that is good for your body. HDL cholesterol helps your body function better and doesn’t lead to heart problems.

Vitamins:

Turkey sausage has a good amount of Vitamin B and some Vitamin C. This is similar to other sausages, with one serving giving up to 50 percent DRI of B-12, 30 percent of niacin, and B-6. 

All these give an excellent boost to your energy, allowing you to work through the day. They also help with your blood flow and are integral to keeping your body functioning.

It is also a decent source of riboflavin intake, which keeps the skin, nails, and hair in good shape. However, it lacks Vitamin C, so if you have a deficit, you will need to take supplementary vitamins as turkey sausage will not be enough. 

A lack of Vitamin C can result in a weaker immune system which can leave you vulnerable to getting sick.

Minerals:

Ground turkey has a decent amount of mineral content as it packs zinc, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are all great for the body, and a serving of turkey contains the proper amount of these minerals, making it decently healthy. Your metabolism and many critical body processes depend on these minerals.

This is another reason why turkey sausage is seen as a very healthy alternative since you get many of the essential minerals in a few servings. Regular servings contain about 2 mg of iron, zinc, and 196 mg of phosphorus.

Sodium Content:

One point against how healthy turkey is the sodium content. While it has slightly less sodium content than pork sausage, the sodium content is still decently high at 500 mg in a serving. Sodium is vital in making sure your muscles work. But too much sodium intake can be harmful to you.

If you’re not an athlete or work out a lot, you won’t need a high sodium diet. High intake of sodium can end up causing high blood pressure and lead to strokes. As a result, you need to be careful about how much turkey you eat for a healthy diet.

Preservatives and Artificial Flavor Used in Turkey Sausage

One thing to note about turkey sausage is the presence of preservatives in some branded ones. Preservatives are used to ensure that the food remains fresh, but some of them can have adverse effects on your body. 

If you’re buying from brands, you will want to research and ask some trusted sources to make sure you’re buying a product with safe preservatives. 

Alongside preservatives, you should also keep in mind artificial flavoring. Not all brands use artificial flavoring to improve the taste, so again, it is a matter of researching the brands and getting opinions. Some of the chemicals used to give color and flavor can be harmful to your body.

Is Turkey Sausage Healthy?

The answer isn’t as straightforward. Turkey sausage has nutritional aspects, particularly the high protein low-fat content, which gives you a great deal of energy to start you off in the day. It’s also not as fatty as other meat and has good cholesterol. 

Turkey is also a good source of essential minerals, and getting them all in one serving is a huge plus.

However, the high sodium content and risk of preservatives dampen the claims of turkey sausage being a very healthy alternative. Fortunately, you can avoid the damage they can do by either planning out your diet correctly or being on the lookout for artificial flavoring.

So, overall, turkey sausage can be a healthy option, but you’ll need to create a proper diet plan and make sure not to eat too many servings. Also, make sure that you avoid harmful chemicals if you’re buying them from your local supermarket. 

You should also include other sources of vitamin C and A to complement turkey sausage since you won’t get as much Vitamin intake from it.

Any More Questions?

Which is healthier, chicken or turkey sausage?

If you’re into low fat and low-calorie diet, then chicken sausage is healthier for you. However, both of them are healthier than pork sausage. 

Is Turkey sausage healthy for weight loss?

Yes, as it offers a good amount of protein without being rich in saturated fat and calories.

Does turkey sausage have less cholesterol?

Less than red meat, but if you’re worried about cholesterol, you should avoid sausage entirely.

Closing Thoughts

Is turkey sausage healthy? Yes, it can be a healthy addition to your diet if you don’t overeat. It’s a good option for a tasty and refreshing breakfast without making you feel bloated. 

Oxtail is usually the least desirable among all the cuts of meat that you can get. For that reason, you will mostly find it on the lower shelves of a meat store. 

However, that does not mean that you cannot use this cut of meat to turn a dish into a delicacy. There are loads of oxtail dishes that taste like something out of the world.

But is oxtail healthy? Yes, it is.

Should you be integrating it into your daily diet? Yes, you should. 

One thing is sure that it will be highly accessible in meat stores as it is a cheap cut. So, getting it will not be an issue. 

We’ll explore these questions in detail in the article. 

You may also like: Why Does Healthy Food Taste Bad?

What Is Oxtail Meat?

So, if you did not have oxtail before, you might not know what it is. Many associate it with red meat. Well, they are not wrong to a certain extent. Oxtail is a kind of beef and is red meat. But the thing is, it is comparatively healthier than most other red meat. Why?

If you take a closer look, you will notice that the oxtail cut has bone marrow and bones. These two will make the oxtail cuts rich in calcium and collagen. 

Furthermore, the amount of protein is reasonably high compared to the other cheap cuts. So, it is much better than most of the other cuts in terms of nutrition.

Is Oxtail a Good Choice for a Healthy Diet?

Let us now address the elephant of the room. When we talk about how healthy oxtail is, one specific thing that will come up is an excellent source of iron and protein. 

But that is not all this cheap cut of meat is packed with. It is full of minerals and vitamins as well.

You will find 3.6 grams of iron and 30.8 grams of proteins in a single serving of oxtail. And people in different parts of Africa will make the best out of the protein and iron amount by combining the oxtail dish with green vegetables and other herbs. This allows the dish to offer enhanced health benefits.

That said, you will even find oxtail dishes that are mostly broth. In that form, the dish achieves a high overall nutritional level. The collagen level amps up, and you will be getting a dish packed with proteins. Are you wondering what collagen is? It is a vital protein that makes your skin, nails, and hair remain healthy.

Yes, our bodies are abundant in collagen, but the body slows down its production with age. And that is where your skin starts to show wrinkles and other aging signs. So, if you have been thinking of getting a collagen supplement, you should try out the oxtail broth.

So, even though oxtail is a cheap butcher cut, it is packed with nutrition. And you should indeed integrate it with your diet if you want to amp up your protein, iron, and collagen intake.

You may also like: Are Baked Russet Potatoes Healthy?

Is Oxtail Healthier Than Beef?

Let us explain! As we mentioned, oxtail is red meat. It looks quite similar to beef, but it is much healthier. The main component that makes oxtail super healthy is the high amount of protein, iron, and collagen. 

Oxtail is fully packed with amino acids as well. And as you might know by now, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids even play an essential role in toning your muscle and maintaining the health of those muscles.

Nonetheless, oxtail will back you up with these three essential proteins:

• Glycine, which will support the RNA and DNA synthesis
• Proline that will reduce the fat particles that are in your blood vessels and form connective tissues
• Arginine will deliver nutrients to various parts of your body

But that is not all! Oxtail is rich in iron! Iron is also pretty crucial for RBCs manufacturing. And when your body has iron deficiency, you will become anemic. 

Also, you will find another vital mineral in the oxtail, which is magnesium. It is present in the bone marrow of the oxtail.

This bone marrow present in the oxtail cuts will do a stellar job of lowering the cholesterol LDL in your blood. That will eventually help enhance your body’s immune system and help you check a lot of health and fitness goals.

Health Benefits that Oxtail Can Provide

So, it is pretty clear that oxtail is healthy, and it will provide you with tons of health benefits. But what particular health benefits are we talking about? Here is the list of the significant health benefits that you can enjoy after having oxtail:

• The collagen from the oxtail will help to increase skin elasticity and strength. Eventually, your skin will look younger
• Elastin and keratin present in the oxtail will improve the health condition of nails, skin, and hair
• Oxtail contains antioxidants and selenium, which will work like a charm in controlling the aging process and preventing degenerative diseases
• By picking up the habit of eating oxtail, you can enhance your stamina and sexual arousal
• As it is packed with collagen, you can blacken the grey hairs that are already visible
• Your muscle tissues and bones will see an improvement

Apart from these benefits, the iron, magnesium, minerals, protein, and collagen present on oxtail will offer you loads of other benefits. So, if you were looking for a meat superfood, oxtail might very well be what you have been looking for all this time!

You may also like: Is Fried Rice Healthy?

Got Some Questions?

Why oxtail is expensive?

The reason is high demand and low supply. Lately, the demand for oxtail has skyrocketed contributing to the high price.

Do you need to wash oxtail?

Yes, you must clean them thoroughly before you cook them. 

Why do you soak oxtails in vinegar?

They are soaked in vinegar to tenderize the oxtail. 

Final Words

Now you know the answer to the question of whether oxtail is healthy. So, whenever you get asked whether oxtail dishes are a healthy option or not, you will have facts to back your answers up.

Have you felt like puking whenever you come across a healthy dish? Trust us; you are not the only one. Loads of people find healthy foods less appetizing and mostly associate these foods with something that tastes horrible. 

In fact, most of these people would rather munch on a bag full of chips instead of having just one small bowl of salad.

But why does healthy food taste bad? Is it because they have loads of vitamins and minerals in them? Well, we will get to the root of the cause and offer you some suggestions to allow you to enjoy healthy foods. 

Yes, you will even enjoy zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice after going through our suggestions!

Why Do Healthy Dishes Taste Bad?

Let us get one thing straight; if you read this article, you probably have not had a healthy food dish for a prolonged time, right? Well, that has made you lose touch with your natural food instincts. And according to many, this is the prime reason people find healthy foods taste terrible.

But losing touch with the natural food instinct is not the only problem here. The thing is, the Standard American diet consists of highly processed foods and packaged foods packed with sugar, salt, preservatives, or chemicals. And it is something that many of us have been stuck with since childhood.

Being brought up with such food has made our taste buds different. In other words, unhealthy foods are the only foods our taste buds like due to how highly exposed we have been to those foods since childhood.

You might not believe it, but you are probably addicted to sugar. Yes, loads of unhealthy foods have an amped-up amount of sugar. And the worst part is that while many of the packaging states that they contain 0 grams of sugar, they still have a lot of hidden sugar.

Don’t you think that you are addicted to sugar? Just try to avoid sweet foods for a day and see how restless you feel. 

Yes, one! And the same thing is applicable when you do the reverse. If you restrict yourself from having too much sugar, you will feel your head spinning around when you eat just one sugary glazed donut.

You may also like: Is Jello Good for Weight Loss?

How to Make the Transition?

So, can you make the transition even when you feel like vomiting immediately after trying to have just one healthy meal? Of course! And we can assure you that after making that transition, you will feel the same vomiting tendency when you eat unhealthy food after a prolonged time.

However, just like how your taste buds have grown to like unhealthy foods over the years, making a complete transition will also take some time. But it is possible. All you need to do is stay determined and keep these factors in your mind:

Make Small Changes:

Most nutrition experts recommend you make small changes if you want to shift to a new diet. Wondering why? 

As we have stated, your tastebuds got accustomed to the taste of unhealthy foods when you had them for a prolonged time. And you will not be capable of making a complete transition if you make too many changes in your food habit. 

Instead, make two to three changes for the meals throughout the week. This gradual change will make it easier for your tastebuds to accept the changes. Let us give you an example to make things clear as water.

If you have too much regular soda, try to replace it with diet soda once or twice a week. Eventually, you will find yourself liking the diet soda. Gradually, you can transition from drinking soda to drinking only water by following the same trick.

Another thing that you should remember is that when you are choosing a healthy diet, there is no right or wrong. Experiment with the healthy foods that work the best and stick with them. 

However, no matter what you do, do not just jump on a healthy diet suddenly. That will make the transition much harder to accomplish.

Adjust Your Expectations:

One of the main reasons people find it challenging to stick with a healthy diet is their expectations. It would help if you accepted that healthy food is not going to taste amazing after you have had processed and unhealthy foods for years. It does not align with reality.

Again, we know that you can just change your expectations regarding the taste of the food and accept that it will taste worse, and motivate yourself to have it daily. For that reason, you should give yourself at least 6 to 12 weeks. In this period, try out different healthy foods.

On that note, you might know by now that you can make small twists on the recipes to make healthy foods taste amazing. These slight twists can involve healthy dressings, hummus, or other spices that will add a kick to your healthy dishes. Check what works the best for your taste buds and stick with it.

Also, did you know that toddlers will need ten times or higher amount of time to get accustomed to a specific diet? Well, imagine the case to be the same for you. If you have never eaten squash or dishes made with squash before, you are going back in time and developing the taste to like the squash by having it right now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is healthy eating boring?

According to a survey conducted by the independent, 47% of the people find healthy food boring, while the other half don’t. So, I guess it varies from person to person depending on their taste. 

Why do so many rich people come to like the healthier food?

Rich and educated people are often well-aware of the huge advantages of eating healthy and thus prefer healthy food.

What is the number 1 healthiest food in the world?

It’s hard to decide on a single item. However, according to goodnet, it’s spinach.

Final Words

If you are still thinking about why healthy food tastes bad, it is because you have grown up eating unhealthy foods. Your taste buds are accustomed to a high amount of sugar, salt, preservatives, and chemicals. 

But we assure you that you can make the change if you stick with what we have discussed above.

If you are one of those people who relish having snacks and meals consisting of carbs, then you are probably familiar with the amazing taste of Russet Potatoes. Let’s face it, carbs are the best food out there! 

Are you worried about the few pounds you gained over the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays? Are you blaming all those delicious starchy meals that you devoured when you have probably asked yourself — are Russet potatoes healthy?

If you are looking for answers to your question, then we can help! We have compiled a detailed breakdown of the characteristics of Russet Potatoes and whether they are actually healthy for us or not. So, keep on reading!

You may also like: Green Chile Potato Soup

Are Russet Potatoes Healthy – Potential Health Benefits

Our carb-fearing population would often say that these large, oblong-shaped vegetables are the root of all evil when it comes to our increased scale number. However, that’s a misconception we are here to debunk. 

Rich in Fiber:

Russet Potatoes are in fact healthier than regular white potatoes. The reason is their high fiber content in comparison to that of white potatoes, which improves your overall gut health. 

Improved gut health lowers the risk of constipation by normalizing bowel movements and maintaining proper bowel health as well. 

Moreover, fiber-rich food such as Russet Potatoes also helps you feel more full which aids in consumption of fewer calories and eventually weight loss. Yes, weight loss!

Furthermore, fiber regulates blood sugar levels as well as lowers cholesterol levels which are related to the cause of Diabetes and Heart Diseases. Good thing that these potatoes comprise 16% of the daily value (DV) of fiber. 

So, stop worrying about gaining weight and eat those fries! 

Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants:

A single russet potato may contain about 31% of DV of Vitamin B-6, 24% of DV of Vitamin C, and 12%, 11%, 8%, and 5% of DV of Niacin, Folate, Thiamine, and Riboflavin. 

Vitamin B-6, Niacin, Folate, Thiamine, and Riboflavin are rich Antioxidants that help fight free radicals causing damage to our cells. Hence food rich in antioxidants help to keep our skin, hair, eyes, and liver healthy. 

If you want more of these, keep the flesh of the potatoes on for 12 times more antioxidants. So don’t be afraid to eat those potato skins, indulge in more skin-on French fries or baked potatoes if you like!

If that wasn’t enough, Vitamin C is also important in the growth of new tissues in our system, which helps repair wounds a lot faster!

Rich in Minerals:

Russet Potatoes are also a good source of minerals, including 10% of DV of Iron, 13% of magnesium, 4% of zinc, 3% of the calcium in a medium-sized potato. These minerals each have their use in our health. 

Iron helps keep our blood healthy by creating red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout our bodies. Magnesium, on the other hand, is important for maintaining a healthy heart, nerves, and immune system. 

Zinc in our food helps to reduce inflammation and the risk of age-related diseases, all the while promoting wound healing. 

Supports Exercise Performance:

One medium-sized baked Russet Potato can have up to 129 calories and is a great pre-workout snack. This is because of the high content of carbohydrates and protein, which makes it a great source of fuel for the body. Not only that but it has also been proven to improve metabolism as well. 

May Improve Blood Sugar Control:

Russet Potatoes have more levels of starch than any other potatoes. These potatoes contain a special type of starch called Resistant Starch which our body cannot fully absorb. This starch directly goes to our large intestine, which becomes nutrition for the bacteria in our gut. 

Moreover, according to research a reduction in insulin resistance has been seen up to 33% in people over 1 month with consumption of 30 grams of resistant starch. This, as a result, improves the blood sugar level. 

You may also like: Sweet Potato Quick Bread

What Are the Drawbacks of Russet Potatoes to Our Health?

If we talk about the cons of Russet Potatoes and the adverse effects that they might have on our health, then we technically have none. 

It mostly depends on how we prepare these potatoes. The way we eat them has an impact on how nutritious and healthy they are. Adding heaps of cream and butter, bacon bits, and everything that you can think of to add more flavor is likely to clog arteries sooner or later. 

However, these potatoes contain Glycoalkaloids which are chemical compounds that can be toxic to our health if consumed in larger quantities. If you consume potatoes day and night and that’s the only thing that eats, then you might be in trouble. 

However, you can only eat a certain type of vegetable for so long, no matter how tasty they are. So, this is not something that should be of concern. 

You may also like: Potato Pesto Pizza

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do russet potatoes cause weight gain?

If you follow a proper diet and don’t indulge in excessive consumption of russet potatoes, then it won’t cause weight gain. 

Are russet potato skins healthy?

The skin of the russet potato contains a lot of fiber and nutrients and can be really healthy. So, yes, you should eat the skin.

Are gold potatoes healthier than russet?

The nutritional profile of both of them are pretty similar, so it’s difficult to say which one is healthier.

How You Cook Your Potatoes Matter!

Russet Potatoes can be incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking them. To ensure the healthier version, try not to indulge your potatoes with high-calorie and high-fat toppings. 

Moreover, try to keep the skin on your potatoes intact! Studies have shown that the flesh preserves the most nutrients and prevents minerals and antioxidants from leaching out when cooking! 

So, enjoy your Russet Potatoes without any guilt! 

Conclusion

The next time anyone tells you to lay off on the Russet Potatoes due to their high-calorie content, ignore them but not before letting them know the benefits of its consumption. Ignore their rants about such misconceptions because you don’t need that negativity in your life! Am I right? So, if you ever find yourself thinking are Russets potatoes healthy or not, come back here and go over the amazing health benefits it has. You will not be disappointed!

Trying to eat healthy to improve your fitness while losing some weight, but can’t seem to get rid of your cereal? Don’t worry, we feel you!

While looking for healthier cereal options, chances are you opted for Raisin Bran Cereal which is usually the first choice for healthy cereals.

The reason why it is considered healthy is probably due to its name. Bran is usually identified as one of the healthier foods. However, if you find yourself asking – is Raisin Bran healthy, then this article is for you!

We will review and break down the nutritional composition and the downsides of Raisin Bran and whether it is a healthy cereal option for you or not. So, keep on reading!

You may also like: Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter

Is Raisin Brand Healthy? – Potential Health Benefits

Raisin Bran offers a mix of nutrition and downsides. It’s high in fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, aiding in digestive health and nutrient intake. Yet, it’s also loaded with added sugar and refined carbs, raising concerns about its impact on health. To make it a part of a balanced diet, opt for high-fiber, low-sugar alternatives and watch your portion size.

This type of cereal is manufactured by many companies, and most of these brands have around 170 to 195 calories in a cup of serving. Most of these have a similar composition of macronutrients, but varying mineral and vitamin composition.

However, we will be discussing a more general nutritional value of Raisin Bran.

High Content of Fiber

Raisin Bran cereals usually have around 5 to 8 grams of fiber per serving, which is around one-sixth of the 30 grams daily value requirement for a person.

The Fiber is usually stemming from the bran ingredients and is quite good for our gut health. It regulates our bowel movement preventing constipation all the while having positive effects against colon cancer.

Moreover, having a bowl of raisin bran cereal for breakfast will usually keep you full for longer due to its fiber content. The process also prevents any drop in blood glucose in the midst of meals as well as reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

If that wasn’t good enough, if you are looking to lose weight, then it’s better to switch to Bran Cereals as it satiates our appetite by keeping us full for a longer time. In addition, it prevents us from munching on any unhealthy snacks in between meals.

Good Source of Micronutrients

A cup of Raisin Bran serving can contain a wide variety of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. And we all know how important these micronutrients are for our bodies daily.

However, these vitamins and minerals are not added by natural means but are present in the food through fortification. This means these nutrients were added to the final product for its benefit.

A growing population around the world is lacking in essential micronutrients and suffering from various diseases due to their deficiencies. This makes cereals such as Raisin Bran a much more convenient and effective way to increase the daily content of micronutrients in our system.

These vitamins and minerals can include iron, calcium, and a wide variety of vitamins, including, Vitamin A, D, E, C. With a lack of such nutrients in our diet for an extended period can lead to Iron-deficiency Anemia, Bone density issues, and skin problems among many.

You may also like: Is Tropicana Juice Healthy?

Downsides of Raisin Bran

Like everything else in life, we must consider the drawbacks before a verdict is made. Raisin Bran, although it has its benefits, some downsides have been discussed below.

Sodium Content

A cup of Raisin Bran serving can consist of up to 228 milligrams of sodium. This is about 15% of the daily value and limit of 1,500 milligrams of sodium for the average person.

Consumption of too much sodium content food can have an adverse effect on our bodies as it is correlated to increased blood pressure. Constant elevated blood pressure can cause a burden on our hearts which is likely to increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

You may also like: Pumpkin Raisin Bread Pudding

High Sugar Content

It’s no secret that cereals often come with high content of sugar and this can reduce the effect of all the nutritional benefits of Raisin Bran per serving.

Per serving of Raisin Bran can comprise up to 20 grams of sugar which is equivalent to 5 teaspoons of sugar. According to American Health Association, women should be limiting their sugar intake to 6 teaspoons which are around 25 grams or less. At the same time, men should intake about 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

Since one serving of Raisin Bran can comprise half of the recommended intake per day, this means that it increases the chance of having too much sugar. This high intake of sugar throughout the day increases the risk of diseases associated with it.

The high content of sugar diet is likely to increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes which is prevalent all over the world. Moreover, a lot of sugar is also likely to lead to teeth cavities.

In addition to that, sometimes healthy claims on cereal such as Raisin Bran can be misleading and can be a type of marketing tactic to earn more revenues. Regardless, this might mean a serving can contain more than the listed amount of sugar, which is likely to increase the risk of heart diseases.

Raisin Bran has multiple good sources of nutrition, including high fiber content and macronutrients. However, these Claimed nutritional values can either be false or be neutralized by the high content of sugar.

You may also like: Is Lemonade Healthy?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Raisin Bran help with constipation?

Since Raisin Bran is high in fiber, it can help with constipation.

Is eating Raisin Bran good for weight loss?

It’s not an ideal item to include in the diet for weight loss as it has high sugar and sodium content.

Which Raisin Bran has less sugar?

Cascadian Farm Organic Raisin Bran has the lowest amount of sugar as it contains 13 gm of sugar per serving.

Conclusion

It’s easy to get drawn in by foods like Raisin Bran, which are generally thought to be nutritious. But to decide is Raisin Bran healthy or not, we must consider the benefits and drawbacks.

However, these nutritional values of Raisin Bran can be neutralized by the increased sugar content. So, take the nutrition label with a grain of salt when it comes to choosing your breakfast option.

Having Raisin Bran as a healthier option compared to other cereals from time to time is acceptable. However, daily intake regularly is probably not the wisest option.

Rice is a popular staple food all around the world, and that is for good reasons. It’s a great source of carbohydrates — providing us with all the energy we need to get by the day. Rice can also be eaten in a number of ways, for example, making fried rice.

Fried rice is one of the most popular preparations of rice in the world. It is convenient to make and is a treat to the tongue at the same time. This is what made the food so popular. But there is one question – is fried rice healthy?

So today, we will know about the health factors of fried rice and everything concerning it.

You may also like: Curried Wild Rice Salad

Is Fried Rice Healthy?

Most tasty foods come with a huge drawback: they are not very healthy. Fried rice could or could not be that — depending on the recipe that is followed while cooking and how we prepare it.

There are healthier variants of fried rice that packs essential nutrients taking full advantage of the perks of rice plus more. But on the other side of the coin, there are many traditional recipes of fried rice that contain an overwhelming amount of fats and oils, which are not known to be the healthiest recipes.

A huge determinant of how healthy or not is the method of cooking. Often the unhealthier dishes turn out to be the more toothsome. So, we have to find our own sweet spot and balance between health and flavor.

Since the health factor depends on the dishes, we can separately discuss the pros and cons of each variant.

Traditional Fried Rice

Traditional fried rice is the most popular form of the dish. And with the taste that it has, it is justified. The spices, the method of cooking, all of them sum up to be an amazing, palatable dish. 

And the thing is, it is not innately unhealthy. At least not as much as the other rich foods out there, which probably don’t taste as good. But of course, it can turn unhealthy if taken on a regular basis. Because after all, it is a rich food meant to be taken occasionally.

Oil:

The oil used gives the dish an irresistible flavor. But usually, a lot of oil is used in the making of fried rice. And that oil contains an excess amount of saturated fat, also known as bad fat. However, the reason behind such naming is not irrational.

Bad fat leads to an increase in the amount of Low-Density Lipoprotein in the blood. Out of the two types of cholesterols, it is the bad one. An increase in bad cholesterol can lead to the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Calories:

Fried rice is also very much a calorie-dense food. That means the number of calories it packs is pretty high. So, if someone is on a diet or trying to regulate their calorie intake, this is not the food for them.

Soy Sauce:

It is one of the primaries of fried rice. The originality of the dish will be lost without it. And any traditional and authentic fried rice recipe will contain a hefty amount of soy sauce — which will provide it the flavor.

But this taste-making condiment does also come with its own set of faults. For starters, soy sauce contains a copious amount of sodium. Just a tablespoon of soy sauce contains almost 920 milligrams of sodium. To put things into perspective, that is almost 40% of the daily requirement for sodium.

So, excess consumption of fried rice leading to too much soy sauce intake can be harmful. It can lead to the risk of heart attacks, brain stroke, and hypertension. Bone damage may also happen since it can cause the pulling of calcium from bones.

Additionally, people who are sensitive to amines should also be very aware since soy sauce can pack a lot of it. It has histamines which can be extremely toxic and result in headaches, rashes, stomach pain, itching, and so on. People with gluten and wheat allergies should also remain aware.

White Rice:

Fried rice, as the name suggests, does contain rice. And it is one of the most common main foods in the world. And that is because it fills the stomach and gives us the required amount of carbohydrates to make ends meet. 

Although white rice can easily be considered healthy just for its carbs content, it is not the healthiest type of rice — because that would be red rice. White rice contains significantly lesser fibers, protein, and other nutrients. Excessive consumption may even lead to Type-2 Diabetes.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG):

Another very popular ingredient that is regularly used in fried rice is MSG or Monosodium Glutamate. Even though it is safe within limits, it is often taken beyond the limits because of its addictiveness. 

Overindulgence of MSG is associated with obesity, slow metabolism, and harmful impacts on reproductive organs. It can also cause Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, which is an illness causing weakness, palpitations, and numbness.

Red Meat:

On top of all these, if an unreasonable amount of red meat like beef or pork is used in the fried rice, it can worsen the dish. That will considerably increase the amount of grease and oil — eventually the quantity of cholesterol. These, too, can have dangerous outcomes.

But does this mean the traditional fried rice is plain bad? Definitely not. If it is consumed in moderation, it can be a tasty and risk-free meal. And for our sake, we do need some rich food here and there since healthy food can get bland easily.

But there are a lot of healthier variants of fried rice. And not all of them are bland. In fact, some might be even better than the authentic ones if cooked properly. 

Healthy Fried Rice:

Fried rice can be made healthy by making some tweaks. Instead of talking about a particular recipe, we can look at some general changes that will make all the difference in the world.

Regulating Oil:

The first change we can make is in the quantity of oil used. Without oil, fried rice would taste incomplete. But that does not mean that we cannot regulate the amount of it is used. And doing so can go a long way.

One way to do so is by using an air fryer instead of a traditional wok. Air fryers would require a significantly lesser amount of oil while retaining the crispiness of the fried rice.

But not everyone owns an air fryer. So, in that case, the next best option is to use cooking spray instead. However, it is recommended to not use cooking spray on a regular basis since it can lead to increased risks of lung cancer. But that is only for prolonged uses.

Brown Rice:

The next alteration one can make to the fried rice is: to use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice houses a lot more nutrients and antioxidants. Most importantly, it is rich in fibers which helps in controlling blood pressure.

Fried rice is not necessarily popular for its weight loss properties, but brown rice definitely can lower the number of calories. And in the long run, this can have a significant impact—if one eats fried rice on a regular basis.

You may also like: Vegan Brown Rice Pudding

Other Additions:

Anything can be made healthy by adding vegetables—and fried rice is no exception. Vegetables and leaves like cabbages, carrots, peas, and herbs can be used in fried rice. 

Not only will this make the rice healthier, but this will also add a new layer of flavors to the dish—taking it to a next level.

But while adding things to the fried rice, there is no reason to be limited to herbs and veggies only. Instead of red meat, chicken meat can be a great option. Chickens are extremely nutritious and are enriched with protein.

Egg fried rice is also a great dish — with the goodness of both rice and eggs. Being one of the most admired food items in the world, eggs are regularly added to fried rice. Besides tasting amazing, its protein content and other nutritional facts make it a great choice.

Tofu, too, can be a great replacement for meat, especially for vegans. They are a great source of protein, but they also contain micronutrients like iron and calcium. Both tofu and chicken can be great additions to the dish — enhancing both the taste and the nutritional value.

Replacing MSG

The last change that can very easily be made is getting rid of the MSG. Instead of using this, beef stocks and salt should be used in order to get a similar flavor. A lot of people might even recommend this flavor over the one of MSG.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does frying rice make it unhealthy?

When you fry rice the traditional way with lots of oil, it is unhealthy. However, if you fry the rice with an air fryer, it can be healthy. 

Is fried rice or boiled rice healthier?

The boiled rice is healthier as it has almost half the calories of fried rice. 

Does fried rice make you gain weight?

Yes, it does as it’s very rich in fat and has a high calorie count. 

Conclusion

So, is fried rice healthy? The answer is both yes and no. It is hugely dependent on how much it is taken and in what way it is prepared. 

It can be a really good meal if taken occasionally — it might even be healthy up to a certain point. But just like everything, there needs to be a balance.