Think this is bad for you? Discover why it’s actually harmless and debunk common health myths. Learn more and improve your well-being!

Health information is confusing these days. What’s actually healthy, and what isn’t? Reddit user u/Soren-J asked that question on a thread. Thousands replied, showing how hard it is to know what’s truly best for us. Let’s look at what some said:

I’m not a doctor. This article isn’t medical advice. Health is personal. See a professional for your needs.

The folks below aren’t doctors either. But I added links to expert sources for context. Talk to your doctor for personalized care.

  1. Taking time to decompress. Sometimes you just need to breathe and look out a window. Doing nothing can be healthy.
  2. Avoiding gluten when you don’t have celiac disease or a gluten allergy. It doesn’t have health benefits if you don’t have those conditions. View this expert-backed article.
  3. Eating organic soy. Many think it increases estrogen. But soy has phytoestrogen, a plant estrogen that doesn’t affect humans. Actually, organic soy is a great protein and calcium source.
  4. Spending time by yourself. Solitude can be healthy despite the stigma around being alone. Taking time for self-reflection without distractions allows you to reconnect with your thoughts and feelings. Moderation is key, but don’t feel guilty about needing some “me time.”
  5. Red meat gets a bad rap, but it has health benefits. Steak provides healthy omega oils, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The catch is avoiding processed meats loaded with added salt and preservatives. A nice juicy steak in moderation can be perfectly healthy. Everything in balance!
  6. Nuts are misunderstood. Many avoid them due to calories. But raw, unsalted nuts have healthy fats, fiber and vitamins. One to two handfuls a day, especially almonds, walnuts or pistachios, is great. Just watch portions and sodium content. Nuts in moderation provide beneficial nutrients.
  7. It’s shocking potatoes aren’t mentioned more. They’re one of the healthiest foods – packed with nutrients, vitamins, and carbs. The unhealthy part is often the oil used to cook them. Potatoes themselves are nutritious and filling. Just go easy on frying, and stick to baking, boiling or roasting for max benefits. This versatile veggie shouldn’t be shunned.
  8. Exercise and sports are often discouraged during pregnancy due to misinformation. But they’re perfectly healthy with doctor approval. Don’t assume activities are off-limits unless explicitly warned against. Always get personalized medical advice. With the green light, staying active provides benefits for mom and baby. There are so many healthy options in moderation.
  9. Drinking coffee gets a bad rap, but it can be healthy in moderation. Coffee is chock-full of antioxidants and actually linked to lower risks for some diseases. As with anything, too much caffeine isn’t ideal, but a daily cup or two shouldn’t be shunned. So go ahead and enjoy your morning brew guilt-free!
  10. Silence gets overlooked, yet it offers surprising health benefits. Our noise-filled world has made true quiet feel uncomfortable. But embracing silence can improve sleep, help you process information, reduce stress, lower blood pressure – the list goes on. Make time for silence, even if just a few minutes a day. Let your mind fully rest without distractions. It takes getting used to, but silence is underrated for both mind and body.
  11. Skipping breakfast. While breakfast is touted as the most important meal, some research suggests that skipping it may not be unhealthy for everyone. Listen to your body’s cues – if you’re truly hungry in the morning, eat something nutritious. But don’t force yourself to eat just because it’s “breakfast time.” Giving your body a break from eating overnight can be just fine for some people. As always, do what works best for you!
  12. Frozen fruits and veggies often get overlooked. But flash freezing locks in nutrients, making frozen just as nutritious as fresh – sometimes more! Frozen produce gets picked at peak ripeness then frozen immediately. Out of season, frozen can be more nutrient-packed than “fresh” shipped long distances. Bottom line – don’t fear the frozen aisle. Embrace it for an easy way to get your daily dose of produce!
  13. Walking or running barefoot gets a bad rap, but it can strengthen feet. Most shoes coddle feet rather than supporting natural motion. Going barefoot forces you to use proper form to avoid injury. Start slowly on soft surfaces to adapt. Let pain be your guide. Done right, barefoot activities build foot strength for improved performance and posture. Just use common sense, and ease into it to give your feet a healthy challenge!
  14. Crying: As Reddit user u/Sudden-Let8709 shared, their mom gave great advice: “Cry it out, and you’ll feel relieved.” Crying shouldn’t bring shame. It’s a healthy way to process emotions. So when you need a good cry, let it out! Letting tears flow releases pent up feelings so you can move forward lighter. Crying is simply a tool for emotional health. Don’t hold it in – those tears want to be free.
  15. Don’t skimp on salad dressing – it helps you absorb nutrients! Leafy greens have vitamins that need oil to be fully absorbed. Skipping dressing prevents getting the full benefits from your healthy greens. A drizzle of olive or avocado oil-based dressing does the trick. Just watch portions and avoid creamy, high-calorie dressings. A little healthy oil on your salad goes a long way for nutrition without too many calories.

That covers some surprisingly healthy foods and habits that often get misunderstood. What other healthy items would you add to the list? Share your ideas in the comments!

We’d love to hear your personal experiences and insights on healthy living. Together we can debunk myths and spread awareness about what truly supports wellness in a balanced, moderate way. Don’t be afraid to try new things with an open mind – you may discover unexpected benefits, as long as you listen to your body’s unique needs. Now go nourish yourself with something nutritious!

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