7 “Bad” Foods That Are Actually Good for You

I offered some insight to Cooking Light in this piece about some healthy “bad” foods:

Previously, peanuts got a bad rap because of their calorie and fat content, with 1 ounce (roughly 35 peanuts) clocking in at around 170 calories and 14 grams of fat, says New York-based registered dietitian Maya Feller, R.D. Fortunately, the fat content is primarily healthy fatty acids—and when substituted for saturated fat in the diet, can help reduce bad cholesterol levels while maintaining good levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Peanuts are also an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber.

“The key to keeping nuts healthy is to have them without added sugars or fats, and for those that are salt sensitive, without added salts,” says Feller. One serving of raw or roasted nuts each day can be a nutritious snack as part of a well-rounded diet. They can also be added to a wide variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fry, or even your favorite frozen yogurt.