What are “health halos”?
By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
As it can with most goods and services, marketing can have a big influence on how foods are perceived. Some foods are consistently labeled with a term or claim that makes consumers view them as healthy, even if that isn’t the case.
Foods labeled with buzzwords like organic, sugar-free, low-fat, or all natural often get grouped into the health food category and carry a “health halo” as a result. For example, many people consider Greek yogurt, kale, avocado, protein bars, and sea salt as health foods without really knowing why they might be nutritious (or why they’re not).
It’s easy to overeat foods with “health halos” and end up eating too many calories or limiting the variety in your diet as a result. Here are some examples of foods that have a “health halo.”
1 – Coconut oil
Coconut oil has become increasingly popular over the past decade. It’s often touted as a therapeutic food that can help with weight loss, heart health, blood sugar management, and even personal hygiene. With the rise of the keto and paleo diets, demand for coconut oil boomed, and it was soon the cooking oil of choice for many households.
However, according to scientific studies, it’s still unclear if coconut oil is actually a healthy addition to your diet. While moderate intake of coconut oil seems to be OK, the overconsumption of this food that results from its “health halo” probably doesn’t have many benefits and may even have negative effects.
2 – Avocados and Guacamole
Millennials may be credited for the popularity of avocado toast, but avocados are one of the most beloved health foods among consumers of all ages.
It’s true that this fruit boasts an impressive nutrient profile, offering heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fibers, and several micronutrients. But is its “health halo” overblown? Avocados are loaded with nutrients, but they’re also high in calories. To reap the benefits of this food, while also keeping portions in check, include avocado in moderate amounts as part of a balanced, varied diet.
3 – Nuts
Due to their concentrated amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, nuts carry a “health halo.” Overeating nuts is easy to do, especially since their healthy image is so ingrained in consumers’ minds and they can be added to so many products and dishes.
While the nutrient profile of nuts is impressive, it doesn’t mean that you should go overboard with them. In addition, some trail mixes, bars, and other products with nuts can be high in added sugar and sodium, taking away from the health benefits that raw or dry roasted nuts provide.
4 – Sea salt
Thanks to clever marketing and packaging, sea salt is sometimes considered healthier than regular table salt and has a “health halo” as a result. It’s often pointed out that pink Himalayan salt, for example, gets its color from the many minerals it contains.
In reality, the minerals in this salt exist in negligible amounts (with the exception of sodium) that don’t even compare to the nutrients in fruits and vegetables. Some consumers may also think that sea salt is lower in sodium than table salt, while they actually contain about the same amount by weight. Regardless of the “health halo,” overindulging in sea salt can have the same effects as consuming too much table salt.
Note from Healthy For Life Meals: Many foods with “health halos” are nutritious but shouldn’t be consumed in excess. At HFLM, we use several of these foods, like avocado and nuts, but in the appropriate portions. Our meal plans are nutritionally balanced and full of variety, so you won’t overdo it on any one food. Check out our menus and order today!