Many grocery store products are often marketed as convenient or healthy. However, the truth is that they pose serious health risks to consumers. These food items often contain harmful additives, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fats that contribute to various health conditions that can be fatal in some cases.

Sliced Peaches in Heavy Syrup

Credit: flickr

Sliced peaches in heavy syrup might taste sweet, but they're loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives. These have been associated with diabetes, liver problems, and obesity. The syrup is packed with artificial flavors and colors and has the potential to cause allergic reactions. Opt for fresh or unsweetened canned peaches instead.

Cereal Bars

Credit: iStockphoto

These foods also contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial additives. Eating these will increase your chances of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions. The preservatives and colorings also trigger allergic responses or hyperactivity in some people. Always consider low-sugar or home-made options.

Frozen Whipped Topping

Credit: flickr

This food comes with significant amounts of hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. These, in large quantities, contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, artificial ingredients are associated with several allergies and metabolic issues. It would be ideal to choose real whipped cream or healthier alternatives.

Gluten-Free Pretzels

Credit: Instagram

Often passed as healthy foods, gluten-free pretzels have loads of sodium and sugar. Constant consumption increases your risk of digestive issues, hypertension, and weight problems. Overreliance on them would also mean you miss out on essential nutrients that they do not have. Opt for whole-grain or low-sodium snacks instead.

Flavored Instant Oatmeal

This also has substantial levels of added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. With high levels of these minerals, your chances of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are increased. The high sugar content can also result in constant energy spikes and crashes. Take care when consuming them.

Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

Credit: flickr

Reduced-fat peanut butter is often packed with added sugars and hydrogenated oils for flavor and texture improvements. You are likely to gain an unhealthy weight, which is a recipe for cardiovascular diseases and other autoimmune conditions. The removal of healthy fats reduces their nutritional value. Natural peanut butter is better.

Microwave Popcorn

Credit: flickr

Microwave popcorn comes with harmful chemicals like diacetyl and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Such complications have been associated with cancer and lung disease. They also contain artificial butter flavoring and high sodium content, which are blamed for heart disease and hypertension. They are foods you don't want to consume in large quantities.

Sugary Breakfast Cereals

Credit: flickr

These products are often full of added sugars and artificial colors. The current unhealthy weight, diabetic, and hyperthyroid epidemics have all been attributed to these elements. Your child is at risk of developing these conditions early in life if they are consumers. Make healthy choices for better development.

Processed Deli Meats

Credit: iStockphoto

Nitrates, sodium, and preservatives are often high in these foods. These are the same nutrients that have been blamed for increased incidences of cancer, heart disease, and hypertension. The high sodium content also fosters water retention and elevated blood pressure. With unprocessed meats and plant-based alternatives, you eliminate all these risks.

Bottled Salad Dressings

Credit: iStockphoto

Bottled salad dressings are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial preservatives. They put you and your family at risk of unhealthy weight, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions like diabetes. The artificial ingredients also invite allergic responses and metabolic imbalances. Always make your own dressings with natural ingredients.

Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers

Credit: flickr

These creamers are filled with hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. They've been responsible for the heightened incidences of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. They also have artificial ingredients that result in metabolic syndromes and allergies. You can use natural milk or plant-based alternatives.

Granola Bars

Credit: iStockphoto

The amounts of sugar, artificial additives, and preservatives contained in these products are at dangerous levels. You can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease by taking them constantly. They also lack whole ingredients, which lowers their nutritional value. There are bars with natural ingredients for healthier snacking.

Diet Sodas

Credit: iStockphoto

Diet sodas, despite their healthy marketing messages, contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which are linked to headaches, digestive issues, and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. They have also been associated with sugar addiction, which is a recipe for unhealthy weight gain. You are better off with water or naturally flavored beverages.

Pre-Packaged Muffins

Credit: iStockphoto

Another major source of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives is pre-packaged muffins. With these, your chances of becoming obese or developing heart disease can increase drastically. The high calorie content and absence of nutrients make them a poor choice for breakfast. It would be better to have homemade muffins.

Packaged Pastries

Credit: iStockphoto

Packaged pastries often come with high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. Their consumption exposes you to a variety of metabolic and autoimmune conditions, including diabetes and obesity. They also have no essential nutrients, which makes them an unhealthy snack choice.