Marina Orusalu

Certified nutritionist

Is this food healthy? It depends – for whom.

25. juuni 2025

healthy

One of the most common questions people ask about food is: “Is this food healthy?” We want quick and clear answers – something that is either completely allowed or completely forbidden. But reality isn’t black and white. There are no universally good or bad foods.


Even the popular advice to start your day with warm water and lemon, often praised for its benefits, doesn’t suit everyone. For one person, it might support digestion and feel energizing. For another, it may cause stomach discomfort, acid reflux, or irritation. This clearly shows that “healthy” is not a one-size-fits-all concept – it depends on your body’s condition, sensitivity, and needs.


Let’s take a simple yet illustrative example – the banana.

Bananas are often seen as a symbol of a healthy snack – tasty, convenient, and natural. But is it always a good choice? The answer: it depends.


If you eat a banana after a full meal as a dessert – one or two pieces a day – it’s a great fruit. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Green bananas even contain resistant starch, which supports gut health and helps keep you full longer. In this case, bananas are a wonderful part of a balanced diet.


But things change when you eat bananas, say, for breakfast and nothing else. Eating two bananas on an empty stomach can spike your blood sugar quickly, followed by a sharp drop. That creates an energy rollercoaster, triggers cravings before lunch, and can leave you feeling off-balance for the whole day.


This shows why we can’t label food simply as “healthy” or “unhealthy.” It all depends on the quantity, timing, and context – and most importantly, on the individual.


So if this topic feels even more confusing than before – don’t worry. You’re not supposed to figure it all out alone. A nutrition specialist can support you by creating an approach tailored specifically to you, rather than handing you a generic plan. Because the best path is always the one that fits your body, life, and goals.