Five junk food products that are actually good for you!

Udita Madan

Junk foods are considered to be a strict no-no when it comes to dieting or managing your weight. Your conscience tells you to avoid it, while your heart shamelessly urges you to reach out for those delicious bites of carbohydrates and fat.

Dieticians and consultants stand fast by their statements that junk food should be avoided at all costs. But what they probably don't tell you and what most people aren't aware of is that there are certain junk-foods that actually do more good than harm to your body.

I'm sure that made you take notice. Well, time to pay attention, because, we are listing down five such junk foods and junk-food products that offer loads of health benefits. Take a look!

1. Chocolates:

We know you were probably wishing this would be a part of the list and here it is! Yes, chocolates are actually good for health, if taken in moderation, of course. Why? Because they help you live longer. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers have found that chocolates are high in polyphenols which is known to reduce the risk of mortality by 30% compared to those diets which contain less amounts. Dark chocolate lovers? No problem. No need to lose heart because that's even better. Apart from being good for your heart, dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids, the compound that is also present in green tea and red wine. So, don't give it another thought. Go for the sinful indulgence!

2. Sour cream:

Surprised? Before you start ticking off points that negates its values, you'll feel better when you hear this. Even though, almost 90% of sour cream is fat (yes, we know that), but it's total amount is not half as bad. A serving of sour cream is generally two full tablespoons which makes it about 52 calories. That's half the amount present in a single tablespoon of mayonnaise and less saturated fat than you'd get from drinking a 12-ounce glass of 2 % reduced-fat milk. That got you thinking, right? No need to feel guilty while having some!

3. Popcorn:

You'll go to the movies more often after this! Agreed that it's low on calories, but that doesn't mean it's lacks nutrition as well. This movie staple has high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants that can protect against heart disease and certain cancers. As long as it comes without added flavours, you don't need to control the foodie in yourself.

4. Beer:

Junk beverage would be a suitable term here. Nonetheless, beer is actually good for health. Offering 150-200 calories per serving, beer is great if consumed in moderation. The antioxidant levels in beer are equivalent to that of wine and it's a significant source of silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. So, bottom's up, people!

5. Ketchup:

Love ketchup? Had to go off it for weight-watching purposes? If yes, then this one's for you. Those who feel that everything tastes like cardboard without this tomato-ey goodness, here's some good news! Ketchup is loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. There you go! Now you are free to spice up your dishes!

Happy indulgence!