12 hours ago
‘Here are 5 ‘healthy' supermarket foods I never buy as a gastroenterologist, and neither should you'
They say you are what you eat, and across social media, experts are sharing their two cents on what's great for gut health and what helps lower blood sugar levels. Taking a cue from Dr Pal Manickam, a renowned gastroenterologist, we learnt about 5 supermarket foods that do more harm than good.
'Here are 5 'healthy' supermarket foods I never buy as a gastroenterologist… and neither should you!' said the health expert, highlighting fruit juices, packaged sweetened lassis, probiotic supplements, sugar-free biscuits, processed meat, and frozen foods.
'Just because it says 100% fruit, does not mean it's healthy. These are often just water with the fiber stripped out. You're better off eating the whole fruit,' said Dr Manickam.
Dr Dipak Bhangale, Consultant, Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, added that packaged mango juice, together with energy drinks and malted 'health' powders, receives marketing treatment that presents them as nutritious products.
'The actual composition of these products includes excessive levels of added sugars along with preservatives and emulsifiers, which disrupt gut microbiota and elevate the risk of developing insulin resistance and fatty liver disease,' he explained.
'It works only for a few people. Most of the time, they do not even survive the stomach acid. Instead, try getting your probiotics from natural fermented foods like curd, porridge, and idlis,' suggested Dr Manickam.
'They sound like a healthy alternative, but they are actually a source of artificial sweeteners and gut-irritating ingredients. They affect both your blood sugar and gut microbiome. Don't be fooled by the 'diabetic friendly' label either,' said the expert.
The category of processed meats includes items like frozen kebabs, sausages, and nuggets. Dr Bhangale shared that Indian supermarkets frequently stock frozen non-veg snacks, which undergo extensive processing and include sodium nitrite as a preservative. 'The potential for developing colorectal problems along with persistent intestinal inflammation escalates throughout extended periods,' he opined.
These products frequently include artificial fruit flavours alongside thickeners and added sugars. Dr Bhangale believes such dairy-based products can negatively impact gut health when consumed in excess, particularly among those with lactose intolerance or sugar sensitivity. 'If you really want to indulge in one, opt for one with minimal sugar or just go for plain curd and add your own fruit as a topping,' he added.
While not mentioned in the video, Dr Bhangale said packaged instant noodles also fall under the category. 'Indian families frequently consume these noodles, which contain refined flour (maida), high sodium levels, artificial flavor boosters (such as MSG), and palm oil. Frequent consumption causes gut lining irritation while promoting bloating and disrupting digestive processes,' he said.
Dr Bhangale also added the category of refined vegetable oils, which includes products such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil. 'Refined oils prevalent in Indian cuisine undergo chemical treatments and contain elevated levels of omega-6 fatty acids. An elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratio triggers gut inflammation alongside metabolic disturbances,' he said.
