Sacramento: In a recent TikTok video, California-based medical practitioner Dr. Mijin Brown issued a warning about seemingly healthy foods that might not be as beneficial as commonly believed. According to a report by the New York Post, Dr. Brown highlighted five food items, dispelling misconceptions about their health benefits.
At the top of her list were fruits, a category generally perceived as a wholesome choice. Dr. Brown, however, pointed out that both fruits and fruit juices can pose risks related to insulin resistance. She emphasized that certain fruit juices contain as much sugar as a can of soda, and they lack the fiber present in whole fruits. Dr. Brown noted the modern transformation of fruits, stating, “Fruit today, even veggies today, are nothing like they were a long time ago in nature.” She added that today’s fruits are often larger, sweeter, and less fibrous, impacting blood sugar levels. Fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and grapes, according to her, should be treated more like desserts than healthy snacks.
Oat milk was the next item on Dr. Brown’s cautionary list. Despite its popularity as a dairy alternative, she pointed out that oat milk can be high in carbohydrates and sugar. Additionally, it may contain preservatives, emulsifiers, and thickeners. Dr. Brown explained that emulsifiers are substances added to food mixtures to create a smooth texture, while thickeners increase viscosity.
Oatmeal, often perceived as a healthy breakfast option, also came under scrutiny from Dr. Brown, particularly for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. While some varieties of oatmeal are low-glycemic, flavored options with added sugar may not be ideal. Dr. Brown recommended choosing steel-cut oatmeal, which lacks added sugar and sodium.
Rice cakes, despite their low-calorie count, were also flagged by Dr. Brown for lacking fiber and having a high carbohydrate content. She cautioned against the assumption that low-calorie automatically translates to a healthier option.