The specialist explained that this phenomenon, known as the “health halo,” occurs when people assume that a food is healthy because of a single positive characteristic, without analyzing the rest of its ingredients or its nutritional content.

“We can easily fall into buying something that says low-fat, low-sugar, or keto-friendly, and companies can do so legally as long as at least one component is. Those words sell products, but they don’t describe how healthy it really is,” he said.

Among the products that usually generate this perception are flavored yogurts, which although they provide calcium and probiotics, can contain up to 30 grams of added sugar, equivalent to more than seven teaspoons. The recommendation is to opt for natural Greek yogurt and add fresh fruit.

He also mentioned granola and protein bars, which are often promoted as a convenient source of energy, but in some cases contain candy-like amounts of sugar, as well as highly processed proteins and artificial sweeteners.

Another example is cold meats and sausages, which stand out for their practicality, but contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. The specialist recalled that its frequent consumption has been related to an increased risk of colon cancer.

In the case of so-called “healthy” energy drinks, he explained that they are usually promoted for their vitamin and mineral content, although they can provide up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per can, which increases the risk of hypertension, arrhythmias and other health problems when consumed in excess.

Likewise, he warned about fruit gummies and some commercial juices, products that are usually sold as made with real fruit or rich in vitamin C, but that contain high amounts of sugar and little fiber compared to whole fruit.