How Healthy Are Chocolate, Pasta, White Bread, Other Junk Food Items?

Junk food is often classified as unhealthy because it contains high amounts of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories, while providing little nutritional value. Regular consumption of junk food can result in health problems like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and digestive issues. However, while excessive intake of these foods is associated with heart disease and obesity, it is acceptable to enjoy occasional treats as part of a balanced diet. 
As per reports, certain food items considered as junk or fast food are in fact healthy to eat and even provide health benefits. Know all about the junk foods that can be rather good, as per Lovefood’s report.

Dark chocolates

We were often told that chocolates are harmful to our health. However, chocolate can actually be beneficial. The higher the cocoa content, the lower the sugar level and the higher the amount of polyphenol antioxidants, which can help reduce blood pressure. Additionally, very dark chocolate contains a surprising amount of fibre, which supports gut health. For instance, 50g (five large or ten small squares) of Green and Black’s 85% cocoa chocolate provides 6g of fibre, which is equivalent to one and a half small bowls of bran flakes.

White bread

White bread is a staple in many households and is enjoyed by people of all ages. A healthy wholemeal loaf contains 2.8g of fibre per slice, while white bread has 1g of fibre per slice. However, this does not mean white bread is unhealthy. In fact, two slices of white bread provide about 17% of the daily calcium requirement, roughly equivalent to a couple of generous tablespoons of Greek yoghurt. This is because, by law, white flour is fortified with various vitamins and minerals.

Baked fries

French fries are popular junk food often deemed unhealthy due to their high-calorie content, high levels of trans fats, and the formation of acrylamide. However, oven fries can satisfy your cravings without harming your health. Baked fries made with only potatoes and sunflower oil are just as natural as homemade roast potatoes or mashed potatoes. A typical 150g baked serving provides 1.37mg of the 3-4mg of vitamin E needed daily for a healthy immune system. This portion also offers 5.3g of fibre, comparable to the amount in two slices of wholemeal bread. 

Pasta

The idea that "carbs are bad" is so common that people might not know that healthy eating guidelines globally suggest that starchy carbohydrates, especially whole grains, should be a main part of meals. Pasta, for instance, has a low glycaemic index (GI), which measures how quickly a carbohydrate releases sugar into the bloodstream. Both white and whole-grain pasta have a GI of below 50. This means that a moderate portion won't cause unhealthy spikes in blood sugar or insulin levels. However, for more fibre, opt for whole-grain pasta with homemade sauce.