How healthy is your diet, really? We all have friends who eat clean and stay active, and yet, they’re sick. We also know people who watch their calories and portions sizes but are still struggling with stubborn fat. The truth is that most foods marketed as “healthy” are nothing but junk food in disguise.

We’re not talking about the typical American diet. If you care about your health, you must know that fries, bacon, pizza, and candy should be avoided at all costs. However, this doesn’t mean that everything else is healthy. Surprisingly, foods like cashews, chia seeds, and peanuts are just as harmful as their processed counterparts.

Feeling confused? Let’s take a look at five so-called healthy foods that are slowly killing you:

Undercooked Beans

We’ve all heard the expression “shop the perimeter of the store.” Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily good advice. Beans, for instance, are anything but healthy.

Despite their high protein content, these legumes boast anti-nutrients that contribute to cancer, inflammatory bowel disorders, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Lectins, one of the primary compounds in beans, trigger inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Certain types disrupt endocrine function and cause DNA damage.

These compounds protect the bean plant but are toxic for humans. They block nutrient absorption, inhibit protein synthesis, and trigger cell death.

Upon ingestion, they bind to the leptin and insulin receptors in the gut lining, damaging them. Then they enter your bloodstream where they desensitize these receptors. In the long run, lectins increase your risk f diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

All in all, beans are a plant baby and we’re not supposed to eat them. However, you can reduce their lectin content through pressure cooking. Avoid undercooked beans as much as possible. This goes for all varieties, including kidney beans, mung beans, pinto beans, green beans, and chili beans.

Grains

Whole wheat, rye, barley, and other grains are considered healthy. Millions of people worldwide eat them for breakfast or whenever they want a quick snack. Yet, they’re just as harmful as and even worse than beans.

All grains contain lectin and phytic acid. This compound binds to dietary minerals in the human body and prevents their absorption. Lectins, another anti-nutrient in grains, build up in the bloodstream and damage your gut lining. Over time, they suppress hunger signals and cause damage to your organs and tissues.

Furthermore, these popular foods are genetically modified. They have nothing in common with the wheat and other grains consumed over 9,000 years ago. Plus, modern grain milling removes a large part of their nutrients, such as up to 80 percent of riboflavin, 77 percent of thiamine, 86 percent of vitamin A, and 78 percent of zinc.

Another problem with grains is that they are grown in synthetic soil and treated with harmful chemicals. Wheat, for example, is now resistant to the toughest bugs through the use of pesticides.

These chemicals end up in your system, causing toxicity. Dicamba, chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, and disulfoton are just a few to mention. Even though they have been approved for human consumption, it doesn’t mean they’re safe.

When consumed regularly, they mess up your hormones, raise your estrogen levels, and contribute to hormone-dependant cancers. Many pesticides, such as phosphine and methyl bromide, alter gene expression and cause reproductive disorders.

Not to mention gluten, a protein found in most grains. Even those who don’t have Celiac disease can react negatively to his compound. Gluten triggers inflammation in the gut and damages the intestinal lining. This causes a chain reaction in your body, leading to insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic problems, type II diabetes, and several types of cancer.

Peanuts

Everyone knows that nuts are healthy and filling. However, peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts. Just like grains and beans, they’re high in lectin, phytic acid, and other anti-nutrients. On top of that, peanuts are among the most common food allergens. Even inhaling a small amount of peanut dust can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.

These legumes are also susceptible to contamination with salmonella and molds that produce aflatoxin, a toxic compound that has been linked to cancer.

Aflatoxin affects your health on every level, causing inflammation, autoimmune reactions, growth impairment, hepatitis, and liver disease. In addition to peanuts, it can be also found in corn, grains, figs, dried spices, milk, cheese, soybeans, and cottonseed oil.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to mitigate the risks linked to peanut consumption. The best thing you can do is to avoid them altogether. Switch to almond butter and swap these legumes for nuts. Walnuts, pistachios, Brazilian nuts, and hazelnuts are much healthier. Always use a pressure cooker for cashews.

Tomato Skin

You’ve probably heard that tomato skin is highly nutritious. Unfortunately, this doesn’t make it safe or good for your health. Despite its high lycopene content, it irritates the intestinal lining and affects digestion.

The peel is not digestible, so it passes intact through the GI tract. Additionally, it’s loaded with the chemicals that farmers use to prevent birds and bugs from eating the tomato. It’s a lot higher in pesticides and herbicides compare to the tomato flesh.

So, if you want to eat tomatoes, remove the skin beforehand. Also, beware that all green parts of the plant are toxic. It’s important to mention that because of their acidic nature, tomatoes may cause heartburn.

Many people also develop asthma, allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, and kidney problems after consuming these fruits. Things are even worse for those who are allergic to tomatoes. Eating peppers with skin poses similar risks.

Chia Seeds

Last, let’s talk about chia seeds. Despite their growing popularity, these tiny seeds can cause a lot of damage to your system. Since they’re chock-full of fiber, they promote bloating and indigestion. Due to their small size, they can get stuck in the digestive tract, causing discomfort and worsening diverticulitis.

Several studies indicate that chia seeds can trigger inflammation when consumed in excess. Moreover, they contribute to leaky gut syndrome and inhibit nutrient absorption. Even though they’re rich in vitamins and minerals, your body cannot absorb them properly due to the presence of phytic acid.

These are just a few of the seemingly healthy foods that are actually killing you. Our list could also include meat, dairy, vegetable oils, brown sugar, bitter almonds, and more.

Leafy greens, tubers, and olive oil are the safest choices. Ideally, opt for organic versions to limit your exposure to GMOs and pesticides. Remember that, no matter what you eat, moderation is the key to good health.