9 common protein-rich foods one must avoid and why

From weight loss diet to weight gain diet, every piece of information related to food and diet talks about the importance and necessity of protein.

And that is what drives most of us to invest in protein-rich foods, protein supplements and so on.

But, what if the rich source of protein turns out to be the demon causing more harm than good to the body?

Yes, there are many common protein-rich foods which are causing more harm to the body and one should avoid consuming them.

Scroll down to find out what makes them unhealthy and why one should quit them.

Importance of protein

1. Processed meat

Processed meats like hot dogs and sausages are often called as rich sources of protein, but they contain high amounts of sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can strain the heart and increase the risk of certain cancers.

What makes them unhealthy: are preserved with nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to inflammatory responses and may elevate cancer risk. It is also said that they may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colorectal cancer. As per a study by National Library of Medicine, it is said that excessive consumption of red meat and processed meat is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer (particularly colorectal cancer).

While these products are good for people who want to avoid animal protein, they are also heavily processed and contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
What makes them unhealthy: They are said to contain protein isolates (like soy or pea protein), which, while high in protein, can lack the full nutrient profile of whole foods. It is said that they cannot be easily absorbed by the body and can include added fillers and chemicals that can impact digestive health and overall well being too.

The slice of meat between the buns might look like a rich source of protein, but they frequently include high-fat, low-quality meat cooked in seed oils, topped with refined flour buns, and served with added sugars and sodium, which is not good for the human body.

What makes them unhealthy: They contain higher levels of unhealthy fats and additives that contribute to inflammation and weight gain. Also, a regular mid-size burger contains around 500-600 calories, 46 grams of carbohydrates, 34 grams of fat, 9 grams of sugar, and 1050mg of sodium for only 25 grams of protein

It is one of the most popular sources of protein among non-vegetarians but sadly it is cooked in unhealthy oils. These oils can become oxidized at high heat, creating compounds that are harmful to the body and can contribute to inflammation.

What makes them unhealthy: The oils used for frying consist of polyunsaturated fats, their chemical structures contain two or more of what’s called a double bond, which makes them exposed to the risk of oxidizing or reacting to oxygen in the air. When the oils oxidize, they could degrade into potentially dangerous compounds.

5. Farmed salmon

These salmon are also not good for human consumption.

What makes them unhealthy: It is said that they may contain contaminants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and antibiotics. PCBs are man made toxic chemicals once widely used in electrical equipment and manufacturing but are now banned due to their long-lasting, harmful effects. They are said to build up in the body overtime, causing risk of cancer, damage to the immune system as well.

It is said that mostly cheese contains only 50 percent of cheese and the rest it is all salt, food dyes, preservatives, extra dairy, emulsifiers, or other artificial ingredients.
What makes them unhealthy: They are said to contain high levels of sodium and saturated fats that can strain cardiovascular health.

It is a good source of protein and probiotics, but flavoured ones often come with added sugars and artificial flavors that counteract the health benefits.
What makes them unhealthy: They use a lot of sugar and other sweeteners, that can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, anf inflammatory issues. Sweetened yogurts often contain more sugar than protein, making them a poor choice for those aiming to meet their protein needs healthily.

The ready to eat protein bars make for a convenient snack for getting a quick protein boost, but they are loaded with sugar, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and low-quality protein sources.
What makes them unhealthy: They use lower-quality protein isolates or soy protein, which may not be as bioavailable as whole protein sources. The added sugars and processed ingredients can also spike blood sugar levels, causing energy crashes later.

They are also an easy source of protein, but not all powders are created equal. Low-quality protein powders can contain artificial flavors, fillers, and low-quality protein sources that may be difficult to digest and poorly utilized by the body.

What makes them unhealthy: They are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can cause digestive issues and may interfere with protein absorption. They also lack the full amino acid profile needed for optimal muscle repair and growth.