Many restaurants have their specialties, the dishes that truly shine and draw in customers. However, there are also certain items you should steer clear of when dining out. Trust me, there are valid health reasons behind this caution!
1. Tap Water
While bottled water may cost a bit more, it's often the safer choice. Tap water, especially when left at room temperature for too long, can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Studies have shown that water systems can harbor pathogens, especially when contamination occurs in the distribution system, leading to serious health risks associated with waterborne illnesses [1]. Even if your water comes straight from the tap, you can't be sure how clean the pipes or storage tanks really are.
2. Free Bar Snacks
Those complimentary snacks at the bar might be tempting, but think twice! They've been sitting out all day, and who knows how many hands have touched them? It's hard to guarantee that everyone has practiced good hygiene before grabbing a handful. Research indicates that food items exposed to open air for extended periods can be contaminated with bacteria, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses [2].
3. Large Fries
It's easy to think that one order of large fries won't hurt, right? Here's the catch: a large serving can pack in about 788 more calories than a small! Not to mention, they also come loaded with unhealthy saturated fats. In fact, they might have more calories than a loaf of white bread. Excessive intake of saturated fats is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, including obesity and cardiovascular conditions [3].
4. Fried Rice with Vegetables
We often assume that a dish packed with veggies is healthy, but that's not always the case. Veg fried rice, for instance, can be surprisingly unhealthy due to the added oils and high-calorie sauces used in preparation. Opting for steamed vegetables and brown rice is usually a better choice, as they are lower in calories and richer in nutrients. Additionally, asking for sauces on the side can spice things up without the added calories, which is a smart strategy to maintain a balanced diet [4].
5. Bread
That free bread served with your soup? It's probably best to skip it. Some chefs admit to reusing bread that appears untouched, which is a bit concerning. Plus, bread left at room temperature for too long can become stale and not so appetizing. Moreover, bread made from refined flour can spike blood sugar levels, contributing to metabolic issues over time [5].
If you're curious about making healthier choices while eating out, why not consider an online doctor consultation? You can even talk to a doctor online about your dietary habits. With an online AI doctor, getting personalized advice is just a chat away!
References:
- Carolline Santos Miranda, Daiana Araujo Santana-Oliveira, Isabela Lopes Vasques-Monteiro, Nathan Soares Dantas-Miranda, Jade Sancha de Oliveira Glauser, Flavia Maria Silva-Veiga, Vanessa Souza-Mello. Time-dependent impact of a high-fat diet on the intestinal barrier of male mice.. PubMed. 2024.
- Sophia Alexandre de Queiroz Cavalcanti, Leonardo Augusto de Almeida, Juciano Gasparotto. Effects of a high saturated fatty acid diet on the intestinal microbiota modification and associated impacts on Parkinson's disease development.. PubMed. 2023.
- Yi Gan, Ming-Wei Tang, Fang Tan, Xian-Rong Zhou, Ling Fan, Yu-Xin Xie, Xin Zhao. Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC01 by modulating lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6 mice.. PubMed. 2020.
- Vania Patrone, Andrea Minuti, Michela Lizier, Francesco Miragoli, Franco Lucchini, Erminio Trevisi, Filippo Rossi, Maria Luisa Callegari. Differential effects of coconut versus soy oil on gut microbiota composition and predicted metabolic function in adult mice.. PubMed. 2018.
- Si Fan, Samnhita Raychaudhuri, Ryan Page, Md Shahinozzaman, Diana N Obanda. Metagenomic insights into the effects of Urtica dioica vegetable on the gut microbiota of C57BL/6J obese mice, particularly the composition of Clostridia.. PubMed. 2021.