Try discussing these universal ideas with your nutritionist; you'll be greeted with harsh words, if not worse! Experts who have proper knowledge of nutrition will debunk such myths in no time. In fact, they are grossly demoralized to see their clients dwell under such false impressions!
Read on to find out the common false ideas on nutrition that should not be shared with either your nutritionist or your closest friends even!
Vegans do not get enough protein
Truth: A diet that is well balanced with plant foods could be equally helpful for the body. Now you need the advice of a good advisor. For instance, try and include pulses – they are a rich source of protein. Legumes like beans, lentils, dried peas, etc. all carry the goodness of a rich protein source (the kind of animal protein that non-vegans derive). If one has certain restrictions on protein food items, one can always turn to protein shakes and shots.
In fact, staying away from animal protein reduces the risk of high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and sometimes even cancer! What about epidemics that broke out in certain corners of the world like bird flu? Vegans are barred from the risk of such diseases as they do not depend upon animal food!
I'm healthy once I grow slim
Our society, our associations, social media, and almost everything that is around us make us live under this notion. So, it's tough to let go of this impression that's embedded in people's minds. Moreover, even the proficiency of individuals both in their workplaces and elsewhere are judged by their body size. So, the idea that being slender is perfect is deep-rooted. Nevertheless, this myth needs to be dissolved.
Truth: The shape and size of our body don't determine how healthy we are. There are numerous instances where a slightly overweight person is more active and has a longer life period than a lean and weak person. Health and lifespan are somewhat correlated with healthy food habits.
Food should at first be chosen based on its nutritional benefits and not depending upon the calorie intake.
All types of sugar should be avoided, even fruits!
Truth: The product that we understand by the word 'sugar' is processed food. On the contrary, the sugar found in whole foods such as fruits and vegetables is far more different from the processed ones. The former comes with natural fibers – they help slow down the absorption of natural sugars by the body. The latter, however, is processed sugar, the one that your body absorbs fast.
According to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, the intake of 'added sugars' should be limited. These are the ones that are found in junk foods like cookies, candies, chocolate cakes, soft drinks, etc. are harmful ones. Naturally sweet food items like fruits contain essential minerals, vitamins as well as phytonutrients too which are vital to your health.
Sensibly cutting down on sugar intake implies reducing the foods that come with added sugars and not the nutritional ones that taste sweet!
Cutting on carbs help lose weight
Truth: This is almost an incorrigible nutrition myth. It has been deep-rooted down there for nearly years now. Dieticians simply whip away this idea and instead advise moderate potion of carb foods in the diet chart.
Natural sugar-containing foods are harmless!
Truth: People across the globe seem to be more concerned with added sugars, and they usually try to consume lesser and lesser amounts of white sugar. Hardly do you come across someone who has added honey or maple syrup on his or her "cut down" list? That's because the general idea is that these are filled with nutritious antioxidants. The fact, however, is that our body metabolizes both white crystal sugar and honey in the same manner. So, no point honoring honey!
Higher calorie intake in the evening contributes to weight gain
Truth: Calories are calories, no matter when you are gorging them in. The body does not process the same food differently at different times, does it? Therefore, quite obviously, this one's a baseless myth. One proper way of holding this idea is that the amount of calories within your body that you burn depends on which time of the day it is; if its bedtime, there are least chances; if it's breakfast time, on the contrary, there is ample of scope for your body to burn down calories throughout the day.
Snacking is not a crime but eating unhealthy foods while sitting idle is harmful to the body. Alternatively, you could snack on dried fruits, low-fat yogurt, or milk.
Eggs are bad for my heart
Truth: Since eggs contain a substantial amount of cholesterol in their yolks, which is about 134 milligrams (for a relatively large-sized egg), this notion exists. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that accumulates typically along the lining of blood vessels leading to clogged arteries that again lead to heart attacks.
But have you really wondered why natural food should prove bad for your heart? The fact is an egg a day is indeed healthy because the body compensates by manufacturing less cholesterol itself. Heart disease, on the contrary, is more connected to saturated and trans-fats. These have more significant contributions to raising blood cholesterol levels.
Typically, the daily calorie intake should not be more than 300mg per day.
Using Microwave is terrible for your health
Truth: Cooking affects food nutrients. That is, the more heating and tossing of the food is done in the frying pan, the more it tends to lose some of the water and heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C, thiamine, etc. On the contrary, since a microwave cooks the food in lesser time, the food is exposed to lower heat and therefore stands lesser chances of nutrient loss!
You must have heard that X-rays and gamma rays pose serious health concerns. Microwave, on the other hand, is a much lower-intensity wave and hence does not pose health hazards grossly.
The only thing you need to be careful with is the container that is being used. The use of plastic containers is dangerous as plastic materials tend to leach inside the food while the microwaves pass through them!
Brown Sugar is better than White Sugar
Truth: This is now a proven fact that there is practically no nutritional difference between brown and white sugar. This is because brown sugar is indeed white sugar granulated with added molasses. Now from the marketing viewpoint, brown sugar is advertised to have added minerals. The fact however is, unless one consumes large amounts of the product, the mineral content does not make any positive difference to your health!
Skipping meals help metabolism
Truth: Skipping meals don't help – the reason being – the lesser you eat, the more you tend to overeat the next time you sit to have your food. Research has often revealed that people who tend to skip breakfast foods and eat a heavy lunch instead, weigh more than the ones who have a substantial and healthy breakfast.
Mixing Carbs with Fats and Protein is bad for digestion
The common myth goes like this: have protein-rich foods like eggs on one meal and carbs on another, but never together.
Truth: This idea is entirely baseless because, scientifically, once food reaches your stomach, your digestive system starts breaking down all types of food. The fact, on the contrary, is mix proteins, carbs, etc. give your body a wide range of nutrients.
Searching for nutrition information nowadays has become one of the most challenging jobs! Your search results happen to be utterly conflicting, and you end up clicking on the wrong option to be on the healthier side or, the thinner side as far as your vital stats are concerned!
Do you want this to happen? If not, concentrate on these busted myths! Be mindful of your nutrition, and if needed add necessary vitamins and supplements to your diet. Check with your doctor to find your ideal weight to maintain better overall health.
Validate your login
Sign In
Create New Account