8 Things In Your Fridge You Should Throw Out Right Now (Slideshow)

If you've been storing food in the refrigerator in an open can, throw it away. Studies show that harmful metals are transferred into foods when they're stored this way.

Margarine

Most margarine contains trans-fat which raises your bad cholesterol, lowers your good cholesterol, and increases your risk for heart disease. If your margarine contains any trans-fat, toss it.

Bread

Freshly-baked breads don't have a long shelf life. If you're not going to use fresh bread within a few days, freeze it; storing it in the refrigerator will make it stale and unappetizing very quickly.

Sugar-Sweetened Yogurt Cups

Sweetened yogurt cups are usually high in added sugar and some have as many as 250 calories. If you have flavored yogurt cups that are high in sugar, get rid of them and try plain yogurt with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey instead.

Leftovers

There are two important rules you need to know about storing leftovers in your refrigerator:  If the leftovers sat out at room temperature for two hours or more, or if they have been in your refrigerator for more than four days, it's time to toss them.

Pre-packaged Diet Foods and Drinks

Many diet foods and drinks are sweetened with sugar substitutes. While there are some possible benefits to these artificial sweeteners, there are also a number of risks associated with them, including cancer

Deli Meat

Experts are divided on the health benefits and risks of deli meat — most deli meats include harmful nitrates and may even include added sugar. For optimum health, get rid of deli meat and switch to healthier whole cuts of meat. 

Tomatoes

The cold temperature of the refrigerator stops tomatoes from ripening and also breaks them down — tomatoes stored in the refrigerator will be tasteless and have a mealy texture. Store tomatoes at room temperature instead.