The Skinny:
There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, even healthy and popular foods. Overeating some healthy foods can have drawbacks. WellWell is ready to provide some examples, which does underscore the wisdom of the proverbial saying: everything in moderation.
The Slate:
Carrots
Yes, carrots contain vitamins, minerals and fibers. Consume too many carrots, and risk ingesting too much beta-carotene. As a result of excess blood carotene, a person’s skin turns yellow or orange, particularly in the palms, soles, knees, and nasal area.
Avocados
The avocado wellness checklist is long and significant: fiber, vitamins and monounsaturated fats that can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). The drawback is that fat, good or otherwise, is still fat. One avocado holds about 240 calories and accounts for 10% to 20% of the recommended daily intake. Too many avocados can lead to artery-clogging problems. This means up to one avocado daily is a good and healthy target.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s ability to aid digestion, overcome insomnia and even tackle pain doesn’t change that it also contains myristicin, a psychoactive substance. In low doses, this presents no health problems. However, taking too much can cause myristicin poisoning, which can cause seizures, heart arrhythmias, nausea, dizziness, pain and hallucinations. A good rule of thumb is to keep consumption under ten grams at any one time.
Water
Too much water? Drinking excessive amounts can lead to water intoxication, which dilutes the sodium in the blood, and in extreme circumstances, can lead to impaired brain function, and even death. This is a rare event seen only in ultra-marathoners and others obsessed with drinking too much water, but it is still a reality.
Canned Tuna
This popular food offers a low-cal, tasty source for sandwiches and salads. Tuna is still an unwelcomed source of mercury, especially when compared to other fish. Ingest too much mercury, and vision, hearing, and speech problems can occur. Mercury also can cause problems with coordination and muscle weakness. Canned tuna is safe, but consumption should not exceed three to five cans a week.
Soy Products
Soy is an alternative for vegans and lactose intolerants. It’s filled with protein and antioxidants. Soy does come with an important caveat; it’s linked to increased estrogen levels, which leads to breast cancer. This link doesn’t mean it’s to be avoided, but it is wise to moderate consumption.
Eyes Up:
What health foods would you limit? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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