Are these foods healthy or not?

Hi, and thank you for reaching out to us.

If something is unhealthy or healthy depends on what it is compared to, in addition to how often it is consumed, in what quantities, and how it is made.

Popcorn, for instance, can be a better option than chips. Popcorn have fewer calories, and a serving of popcorn can for many be perceived as a bigger portion than a serving of chips. Even in a healthy diet there is room for some snacks and «unhealthy» foods. If you have a normal consumption of popcorn, for instance a couple of servings in the Weekends, it can be a part of a healthy diet.

If popped quinoa is healthy or not depends on how it is made. Is it popped in a lot of fat? And what kind of fats? Quinoa is a great source to protein, fiber and micronutrients, and is a great addition to a healthy diet. Popped quinoa can also be an alternative to boiled quinoa, if you want some variation.

Regarding smoked fish and if it is unhealthy depends on your immune system, and if you are pregnant or not. Smoking fish does not kill all the bacteria, and fish that has not been adequately heated can contain small amounts of the bacteria Listeria. If the smoked fish has passer the expiration date, it can also contain some bacteria. People with immunodeficiency and pregnant women should be careful with smoked fish, and eat smoked fish as fresh as possible.

Tørrfisk can be a great alternative to regular cod. Tørrfisk contains the same nutrients as regular cod, but in tørrfisk the nutrients are consentrated due to how tørrfisk is made. Tørrfisk can therefore be a great way to increase the intake of different nutrients. Regular cod is healthy as well, and there is no reason to substitute regular cod for tørrfisk, but tørrfisk can be an alternative to cod if you want more variation or something different.

Coconut contains a lot of saturated fats, which is not great for the heart or cardiovascular health. Therefore, in isolation, coconut and coconut oil can´t be considered heart-healthy foods. Saturated fats elevates the LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, which is connected to the development of atherosclerosis. A better option than coconut fat is plant-based oils, such as olive oil (great for dressings), rapeseed oil and more.

I hope you got the answers you needed, and I wish you a great week!

Vennlig hilsen

Klinisk ernæringsfysiolog, ung.no