We’ve all heard those so-called “facts” about food that make us rethink our entire diet. But guess what? A lot of them are pure nonsense. From the idea that carrots improve your night vision to the myth that celery burns more calories than it has, we’ve been fed a lot of lies. It’s time to set the record straight and bust some of these food myths wide open.
You Shouldn’t Put Cheese on Seafood
This myth likely stems from Italian culinary traditions, but there’s no food safety or health reason to avoid this pairing. Cheeses like feta and Parmesan can complement seafood dishes without any negative health impacts. It’s more about personal taste than a dietary guideline
Limiting Fruit to 1 Piece Per Day
While fruits contain sugars, they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are beneficial for health. The American Heart Association suggests that the fiber in fruit can help to prevent heart disease, while its antioxidants fight free radicals.
Raw Veggies are Healthier than Cooked Ones
The common belief that raw vegetables are always healthier than cooked ones oversimplifies nutrition science. It’s true that cooking can lead to the loss of some nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins like vitamins B and C, which are sensitive to heat. However, cooking vegetables can also make certain beneficial compounds more absorbable by the body.
Don’t Eat Before Exercising
Eating a small, well-balanced snack 30 to 60 minutes before working out can significantly enhance your performance, offering a quick energy boost that makes your exercise more effective. Things like a glass of chocolate milk, toast with peanut butter or a granola bar can be great pre-workout snacks.
Weight Loss is Entirely About Calories In vs. Calories Out
While calorie balance plays a significant role in weight loss, hormonal imbalances, metabolic health, and genetic factors also significantly impact weight management. Research indicates that the quality of calories consumed affects metabolism and satiety differently. For instance, protein can increase the thermic effect of food and promote satiety more than carbs or fat
Salt is Bad for You
While excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, salt is essential for bodily functions, such as fluid balance and nerve transmission. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, moving toward an ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day for most adults. Moderation is key, as some individuals may be more salt-sensitive than others.
Intermittent Fasting Works For Everyone
Intermittent fasting can offer health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Factors such as lifestyle, medical conditions, and personal preferences can influence its effectiveness. Studies suggest its benefits may vary even from man to woman, and it can be less effective or even detrimental for certain people, highlighting the importance of personalized dietary approaches
Eat Every 3 Hours to Keep Your Metabolism High
The idea that eating frequently boosts metabolism is a myth. Research shows that meal frequency does not significantly affect metabolic rates. What’s more important is the total caloric intake and nutrient composition of those meals. Some studies suggest that fewer, larger meals may be more beneficial for weight control and metabolic health than smaller, more frequent meals
Fatty Foods Will Give You a Heart Attack
Not all fats are created equal. Trans fats and some saturated fats can increase heart disease risk, but monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in avocados, nuts, and fish, are heart-healthy. Research has shown that diets high in these healthy fats can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The key is to focus on the type of fat rather than eliminating all fats from your diet like previously poorly done studies have stated.
Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day
This statement is overly simplistic. While a nutritious breakfast can help with concentration and energy levels, the overall quality and quantity of what you eat throughout the day are more crucial for health. Some people thrive on skipping breakfast, indicating that individual dietary needs and preferences play a significant role in whether or not breakfast is essential for them
Finish Everything on Your Plate!
The directive “Finish everything on your plate!” aims to prevent waste and ensure nourishment but can lead to overeating by overshadowing our natural hunger and fullness signals. Nutritionists recommend mindful eating, encouraging individuals to heed their body’s cues for hunger and satiety.
Microwaving Kills Nutrients in Food
This myth is not only widespread but also deeply misleading. Many assume that the microwave’s use of radiation in cooking somehow deteriorates the nutritional content of food, but this isn’t the case. In fact, microwaving is one of the best methods to preserve nutrients. The quick cooking times and minimal use of water significantly reduce nutrient loss compared to other methods like boiling or long baking.
10 Controversial Food Ingredients Used In America That Are Banned Globally
Around the globe, countries take varied approaches to food safety, setting their own rules on which ingredients and production methods are deemed acceptable. What’s routine in the U.S. food industry often faces stricter scrutiny abroad. With the U.S. grappling with high rates of chronic illnesses and food-related disorders, it begs the question: could certain widely-used, yet overseas-banned, additives be contributing to America’s public health challenges?
Read it Here: 10 Controversial Food Ingredients Used In America That Are Banned Globally
11 Widely Believed Food Myths Disproven By Science
Navigating the world of nutritional advice can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield of misinformation. This article clears the air, debunking popular food myths that science has proven false. We’re slicing through the old wives’ tales and marketing spin that have clouded culinary truths for years.
Read it Here: 11 Widely Believed Food Myths Disproven By Science
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
