Putting 'good food-bad food' to rest.

Putting `good food-bad food' to rest

In an effort to simplify the prescription for healthful eating, people often refer to foods as "good" or "bad." The truth is, however, that many foods with bad reputations fit perfectly well into a healthful diet when eaten in moderation, while a number of items held in high esteem do not fit so easily. Here's a look at some foods whose nutritional profiles are quite different from the popular perception of them.

Foods that have been overrated

Apple juice A favorite with mothers of young children, apple juice is little more than flavored water containing some natural fruit sugar. Unless it's fortified, in fact, a cup of apple juice provides almost no vitamin C, while a cup of orange juice has about double the daily recommended amount for a child. Note, too, that apple juice can cause diarrhea in…