10 Popular Food Myths Debunked
When it comes to your health and nutrition, there is a lot of advice out there. You may come across several suggestions and recommendations of what to eat or not to eat, to be fit and healthy and / or lose weight. There are many food myths out there which can be very confusing. Here, we put some common food myths under the microscope.
Myth 1
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
Reality – According to experts, there is no evidence that breakfast should be eaten as it is just a matter of personal preference. Breakfast does not jump-start your metabolism and skipping it will not lead to overeating or weight gain.
Myth 2
Snacking is bad for health
Reality – Snacking between meals is a wonderful way to keep your energy levels up, however, it is important to make good choices. Eating unhealthy processed foods regularly leads to weight gain and other health problems like high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The best snacks include fruits, nuts, and cereals.
Myth 3
You Need to detox regularly
Reality – Yes, detox is a myth. There is little scientific evidence to support that detox diets are effective or even safe. According to experts, most detox foods are a sales and marketing myth and are often based on exaggerated claims not supported by science.
Detox diets lead to weight gain when you resume a normal diet, and they harm your body’s natural detoxification systems since your body already has a built-in one – liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs.
Myth 4
Low-fat foods are good
Reality – Even though they seem healthy – low-fat foods are mostly packed with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients – most of which lead to excessive hunger, weight gain, and diseases. It is best to eat whole foods which are not processed and are naturally low in fat.
Myth 5
Sweet potatoes are healthier than white ones
Reality – It is a common belief that potatoes are bad if you want to lose weight. Most people prefer eating sweet potatoes, however, according to experts, the nutrient composition of both is quite similar. It is just that sweet potatoes have more vitamin A and an additional gram of fibre, but white potatoes have more potassium.
Myth 6
Red wine is heart-healthy
Reality – Alcohol has no benefits. Studies say any amount of alcohol increases the risk of heart disease, and moderate drinking of red wine does not necessarily improve heart health.
Myth 7
Eggs are bad for your heart
Reality – Eggs are full of protein and calcium. According to experts, most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies also say egg consumption helps prevent certain types of strokes and a serious eye condition known as macular degeneration that leads to blindness.
Myth 8
You need meat for a balanced diet
Reality – The Mediterranean diet, known as the world’s healthiest, includes small amounts of meat with mainly fruits and vegetables. According to experts, meat is an optional part of your diet, and you should consume more whole foods for balance.
Myth 9
Fatty foods make you fat
Reality – Diets that are higher in fat tend to be just as effective at encouraging weight loss as diets that are low in fat. The main focus is the type of fats.
Myth 10
Beans are toxic
Reality – Beans are known to be rich in lectins, which are considered poisonous. However, lectins are most abundant in raw, dried beans and when you cook beans, the process reduces some of the lectin content. However, beans are full of fibre making them very nutritious and good for weight loss and heart health.
Please see a professional medical expert for specific advice on your diet and any changes you plan to make. The above information is simply meant as a guide.
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Source: 10 Popular Food and Nutrition Myths You Should Stop Believing (msn.com)
