Seven ‘unhealthy’ foods that are secretly good for you

Trying to stay healthy can be a battle these days.

There's so much conflicting information out there, with the list of foods we should "avoid" seemingly growing longer each day.

Nutritionist and dietitian Susie Burrell has dished on some of the foods health nuts say we should stay far away from.

They're not that bad after all, she says:

Coffee

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz

Coffee has a reputation as being unhealthy, but it's actually packed with antioxidants.

"There's good evidence to show 2-3 cups reduces heart disease risk factors," says Burrell.

But you should avoid sugary flavour syrups and having more than three cups a day.

"Plain black or small with a little milk is fine, but large servings of milk and sugar negate the health benefits," she said.

Potatoes

Photo: Gabi Porter

"The humble potato has copped a bad wrap as some varieties have a high glycemic index," said Burrell.

"With fewer carbs (just 20g per serve) than the average serve of pasta or rice, a single potato in the jacket is another nutrient rich, extremely satiating food — just watch the added butter!"

Bacon

Mmmmmm bacon. The cure to all evil. And all hangovers.

You can still indulge in a bacon and egg roll now and then — just make sure you trim the fat off and keep it to once a week.

"A small serving (1-2 pieces) once a week is no issue especially if lean varieties are chosen. More important is how it is cooked and if excess fat is disposed off," Burrell advises.

Sourdough bread

Photo: Getty Images

"Unlike regular white bread, the processing of sourdough means that it has a relatively low glycemic index, meaning it releases its glucose more slowly into the bloodstream," says Burrell.

If you can pick up a multigrain or soy and linseed loaf, all the better.

Eggs

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Some health nuts only use egg whites as a way to reduce their fat intake. But the yolk is where all the essential nutrients — including Vitamin A's and D, and essential fatty acids — are packed in.

"They're not the cholesterol nightmare they are often considered to be," says Burrell. "1-2 each day is a nutrient rich addition to any diet".

Whole-milk yogurt

For years we've been trained to reach for the low-fat or skim options in the supermarket.

But lately there's been a push to start buying full-fat products. Many low-fat dairy options contain loads of sugar to compensate for the loss of flavour.

Buying natural, full fat, plain yogurt is the best option.

"All dairy foods have numerous health benefits including offering high quality protein as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus," according to Burrell.

"Plain yogurt in particular is a great choices and the total fat (8-10g) is relatively low overall, compared to other high fat foods."

Hot chocolate

Photo: Jennifer Weisbord

Forget the sugar-laden powder packets. Try making hot chocolate with raw cacao or pure cocoa powder with a small amount of milk and water.

"The addition of cocoa powder, which is rich in antioxidants, can make this a nutrient rich, tasty drink," says Burrell.

"The bitter nature of cacao also means you are less likely to overuse it."

This article originally appeared on News.com.au.

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