I’m a gastroenterologist and here are five things I’ll NEVER put in my shopping trolley: ‘Don’t be fooled’
An Australian gut health expert has revealed the five everyday supermarket staples he refuses to buy.
He also warns that clever marketing could be misleading shoppers trying to make healthier choices.
Paul Froomes, who has built a loyal following of more than 53,000 on Instagram, regularly shares no-nonsense advice about what’s really going on in the foods we eat.
In a recent video, the gastroenterologist cut straight to the point, detailing each item he’d never put in his trolley and why.
At the top of his list were probiotic yoghurts, which are a common product many assume is beneficial for gut health.
‘Probiotic yoghurts are literally full of sugar,’ he said.
‘Sugar undoes any benefit inside.’
He then turned his attention to honey, warning that not all varieties are created equal.
Australian gut health expert, Doctor Paul Froomes (pictured), has revealed the five everyday supermarket staples he refuses to buy including probiotic yoghurts, honey, kombuchas, muesli bars and grass fed meatballs
At the top of his list were probiotic yoghurts and meusli bars, which are common products many assume are beneficial for gut health, but in fact, are full of sugar
‘Don’t be fooled by regular honey,’ he explained.
‘All the live bacteria have been killed by pasteurisation. Instead, use raw unfiltered honey.’
Kombucha, another product often marketed as a gut-friendly option, also didn’t escape scrutiny, especially the commercially produced kind.
‘Don’t be fooled by the no sugar label, they’re full of artificial sweeteners,’ he said, suggesting some brands may be masking ingredients behind health claims.
And standard muesli bars – a hugely popular lunchbox staple for many Australians – were next.
‘These essentially have two grammes of fibre and eight grammes of sugar with a whole lot of preservatives.’
Even fresh produce wasn’t off-limits in his list, with standard apples earning a surprising mention.
‘We all love apples, but don’t be fooled, the skin is covered in pesticides and then a layer of wax over the top to seal them in – so if you’re going to have them, peel them.’
Even fresh produce wasn’t off-limits in his list, with standard apples earning a surprising mention with claims that they’re ‘covered in pesticides’
He included one item that caught many shoppers off guard. ‘Grass-fed meatballs – don’t be fooled, they are full of additives. Just take a look at the ingredients’
He also included a bonus item that might catch many shoppers off guard.
‘Grass-fed meatballs – don’t be fooled, they are full of additives. Just take a look at the ingredients,’ he said.
Across all five examples, Dr Froomes said there was a clear pattern consumers should be aware of.
‘The marketing says one thing, the ingredients say another. Read the back of the packet, not the front.’
His advice has resonated widely online, with many followers saying they had previously assumed these products were healthier options – particularly those labelled ‘probiotic’, ‘no sugar’ or ‘grass-fed’.
He then turned his attention to honey, warning that not all varieties are created equal. ‘All the live bacteria have been killed by pasteurisation. Instead, use raw unfiltered honey,’ he said
‘I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Froomes regarding the need to avoid non-organic apples sold by supermarkets!’ one wrote.
‘In addition to there being increasing evidence of the cumulative effects of pesticides on the body and especially brain.’
Although there were a few who seemed confused by Dr Froomes advice.
‘You can’t say don’t have muesli bars cause there’s only two grammes of fibre but then you’re suggesting to remove fibre from the apple?’ a follower wrote.
‘You can make apples safer by mixing bicarb soda with some water, pop in your apples for 10 minutes and rinse,’ a second added.
Regardless of mixed opinions, the post serves as a reminder that when it comes to gut health, not all ‘wellness’ foods live up to their claims, and a quick glance at the ingredient list could make all the difference.
