5 “Bad” Habits That Are Actually Good for You, According to Doctors

ALL TOO OFTEN, THINGS WE ONCE BELIEVED WERE GOOD FOR US turn out to be health hazards. For example, coconut oil—once hailed as a healthier alternative to other types of fat—turns out to come with all the cardiovascular pitfalls of its peers. Similarly, agave sweeteners— once viewed as a healthier replacement for table sugar—are higher in calories and no less likely to cause insulin resistance. Thankfully, the pendulum can also swing in the other direction: Occasionally, we learn that health habits we once considered “bad” are actually beneficial.

1. Skipping meals

is key.

Middleton says that’s because even though red meat is often high in saturated fat and cholesterol, it also “contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. These include iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium— all of which are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. Eating grassfed beef can even reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer,” she adds.

3. Drinking coffee

Conventional wisdom tells us that we need three square meals a day (plus snacks!) to be healthy. However, according to K. Mitchell Naficy, MD, a family physician with over 29 years of clinical experience, eating less frequently can be beneficial.

“Intermittent fasting, which involves eating only during certain hours of the day, is becoming increasingly popular,” he tells Best Life. “While it may seem like a bad idea to skip meals, it has actually been linked with numerous health benefits, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and improved energy levels.”

2. Eating red meat

Coffee is frequently viewed as a vice— something we need to cut back on or cut out entirely. But Naficy says that there are some major benefits to your daily cup of joe, especially if you drink it in moderation.

“Coffee can be seen as a bad choice for health, as it is a caffeinated beverage that can disrupt sleep and raise blood pressure,” he explains. “However, coffee is also packed with antioxidants and can have numerous benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improved alertness, increased energy levels, and improved mood.”

4. Eating high-fat foods

Though many experts advise eating a largely plant-based diet, Kellie K. Middleton, MD, MPH, an Atlanta-based orthopedic surgeon, says that “eating red meat occasionally can also be beneficial for your health.” The catch? Moderation

By Best Life

fats), and lots of them!” Shana Johnson, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, tells Best Life. “It’s excess sugar and carbs that lead to excess weight, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Fat gets a bad rap,” she says.

5. Eating chocolate

For a long time now, health experts have touted the benefits of eating dark chocolate. “Dark chocolate (made with 70 percent or more cocoa) can be good for your health because it contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation,” says Gabriela Rodríguez Ruiz, MD, PhD, FACS, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at VIDA Wellness and Beauty. “Additionally, dark chocolate is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and potassium—all important for proper cell functioning and overall health. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which may help boost mood and mental performance,” she explains. Though a recent report called its health claims into question when it found certain brands were contaminated with lead and cadmium, experts say you can still enjoy dark chocolate and its health benefits without having to feel guilty about it—you just have to choose the right kind. “Just remember to check the nutrition label to ensure you’re getting a good quality product with minimal added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. Enjoying a square or two of dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet can help you reach your health goals while still satisfying your sweet tooth!” says Rodríguez Ruiz.

High-fat foods were once seen as seriously unhealthy, and we religiously replaced them with low-fat options. Today, we know that monounsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados, and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and certain oils, are an important part of a balanced diet.

“You need healthy fats (unsaturated

Did You Know April 2023

Did you know: Lucerne Valley once had air service right to Lucerne Valley?

According to the July 1946 Desert Grapevine, an Air Service had been inaugurated between Lucerne Valley and the Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale. This was a call service with reservations made in advance. The pilot was landing on the dry lake near Barstow Road. And the fare was $7.00 one way - $13.00 round trip. Great rate with no airport boarding hassles.

And while speaking of transportation to Lucerne Valley, there were the times “passenger trains” came here. One came in May 16, 1957 A Union Pacific train brought guests to the Grand Opening Day Celebration of the Cushenbury Cement Plant (currently the Mitsubishi Cement Plant). Along with this train, guests arrived by bus, plane, and cars for the event’s opening day. A few days later on May 19, 1957, a Santa Fe passenger train left Los Angeles at 8 am making stops along the way for sightseeing … arriving for the continued celebration at 1:15 pm. Following the festivities, passengers boarded this train for the trip back to Los Angeles. In May 4, 1985, another passenger train came visiting again. This Sunset Limited Amtrak trip carried approximately 400 train enthusiasts. It ran from Fullerton to the Kaiser Permanente Plant.

So, our local history tells us of passenger trains and air service to and from Lucerne Valley. For more history bits, visit your local museum. It’s free and it’s your museum. And now you know …

Museum Digs for April 1, 2023 & Membership Booth at the LV Market

4/01 Museum Outdoor Yard Open from 10 am to 2 pm. Come out and visit. We are next to our library and it’s free ….

Announcements:

Our very own “Lucerne Valley – A Wild West Town of Character(s)” book is now on sale at the Market. The book has lots of local history you can read & go explore. And the sales of our book help your local museum put on various field trips to historical sites here in Lucerne Valley You can also purchase books at a discount to sell at your store. Just ask.

Lucerne Valley Museum Association

Open First Saturday Each Month Free Admission

“Setting the Stage for History”

Membership & Information www.LucerneValleyMuseum.org

P. O. Box 1762, Lucerne Valley 92356 760.248-6777 * 760.646-2660

We’re proud to offer “Student Stringers” articles from our Lucerne Valley Middle/High School students who are earning community points in their Helping Hands graduation program. These students are mentored by staff teacher David Prouty, who has an English/Journalism background. Each story is vetted and then passed along for publication within the Lucerne Valley section of PULSE of the High Desert, publisher James Conkle.

This partnership is approved by LVUSD, Andrea Moretz Office Manager Helping Hands program, Rusty LaGrange, founder of the project, and owner/publisher of The PULSE of the High Desert, James Conkle. For further Information on this project or for similar ones call 760-617-3991 or email sales@pulseofthehighdesert.info