Seven super-processed foods that are good for your health - from hummus to bread

05 November 2023 , 11:01

916     0

Here are 7 foods you can incorporate into your healthy diet (Image: Getty Images)

Some foods are a godsend when you are strapped for time and need to get out the house, and luckily some of these have more nutritional value than you might think - including beans on toast.

Consumer champion Which? has shared several foods you can include in a healthy diet. Fortunately, for anyone with a busy life, oven-food including fish fingers is on the list.

While some ultra-processed foods have previously been linked to health conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, there are several which are packed with vitamins, protein and fibre.

Certain baked beans can be better than others (Getty Images)

Baked beans

According to Which?, baked beans can be a great item to incorporate because they are low in sugar and fat. The popular food is also considered as a good source of protein and fibre. Just half a tin counts as one of your five a day and its protein is equal to two small eggs and a fourth of your daily suggested fibre intake. Brits have been told to opt for the Heinz organic baked beans as opposed to the regular one which has modified cornflour, reports The Sun.

Asda praised over inclusive kids clothing range with holes for feeding tubes

Bread

While some supermarket bread has been linked with emulsifiers and preservatives, there are some which shouldn't be ruled out. According to Which?, two slices of supermarket wholemeal bread offer around 16% of your daily fibre requirements. This is also said to be a good source of vitamin B1. Researchers also recommended that a wholemeal loaf with seeds is even better because it includes a healthy amount of unsaturated fats.

Fish fingers

Fish fingers are great source of omega 3 (Getty Images)

One portion of fish fingers counts as one of your two recommended servings of fish per week. This is because the popular food is a good idea for protein and it doesn't include omega 3 fatty acids. It has been suggested to try a higher fish-to-breading ratio.

Hummus

Hummus is a popular dipping option whether it's for celery, carrot or bread sticks. The dip consists of blending chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Despite some healthy ingredients, some shop versions are packed with preservatives and acidity regulators to keep it safe to eat longer. However, it is still viewed as a good source of protein, healthy unsaturated fat and fibre.

Yoghurt

Experts suggested choosing a yoghurt with less sugar (Getty Images)

Yoghurt is a healthy food choice for breakfast because it is full of calcium and protein, however, researchers warned you have to be careful when picking the pudding. This is because some contain more sugar to others. Another reason is that certain yoghurts contain thickeners or starches. You should opt for plain yoghurt which has less sugar and sweeteners in it.

Tomato pasta sauce

Making meals such as bolognese or cheese and tomato pasta can be desirable because it is quick, simple and cheap to make. Although tomato pasta sauce falls under the ultra-processed category due to its acidity regulators and thickeners, Which? states you can still enjoy them as part of a healthy diet. You can incorporate mince, veg, lentils or tinned tuna to boost the fibre, protein and vitamins side.

Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons shoppers shocked by cost of Lurpak butter and its dupes

Cereals

Experts have suggested opting for plainer cereals so you can still enjoy a quick and stress-free breakfast. Brands including All-Bran, Bran Flakes and Weetabix are all rich in fibre. It has been reported that a serving of each features at least a quarter of your daily suggested intake of B vitamins. All-Bran and Bran Flakes also feature a fifth of your daily iron recommended intake.

Monica Charsley