10 Nutrition & Food Myths You Shouldn't Believe
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Although some nutrition and food myths have already been busted, there are still myths that float around and pass as truth despite scientific evidence that says otherwise.
"A balanced diet, enough sleep and regular exercise are usually the best course for fighting diseases and staying healthy, and that just isn't as interesting to people," Eating Well notes as explained by Keith-Thomas Ayoob, a professor of pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Sometimes we eat foods that are unknowingly bad for us because of the food and nutrition myths that we believe in. But according to the site, there's a grain of truth to some of these myths. Here are some myths debunked using factual science and what's the truth behind them.
1. Chocolate Causes Acne
According to WebMD, chocolate does not cause acne. According to Irwin Braverman, professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, the chocolate myth issue is allegedly due to parents inhibiting children and teens from eating too much candy.
2.) Eggs are Bad for the Heart
A Framingham Heart study showed that even though high blood cholesterol causes heart attacks, there is no increased cardiovascular disease linked to eating eggs, reports Reader's Digest. You're free to enjoy your omelettes everyday if you want to.
3.) Vitamin C Will Prevent Colds
There is no supporting evidence that suggests taking large doses of vitamin C will prevent colds, says UAMS. The theory was popularized by Linus Pauling in 1970's for his "megavitamin therapy movement."
4.) Caffeine Causes Cancer
In a research on Harvard Health Publications, those who drink coffee are 50% less likely to suffer from cancer than those who don't. In fact, there are many health benefits in keeping your coffee consumption at moderation.
5.) Nuts Are Fattening
According to Dietrebel, although nuts are high in fat, it doesn't mean they're fattening. One of the reasons is because nuts increase one's metabolism.
6.) Brown Sugar is Better Than White Sugar
Molasses is added to white sugar to make brown sugar. According to About Kids Health, the body can't tell the difference and handles all sugars and syrups in the same way.
7.) Fresh Always Beats Frozen
In an FDA study, the findings say that there is no nutritional difference whether you eat fresh or frozen produce because nutrients are lost during the cooking process, notes FitDay.
8.) All Fats are Bad for You
Not all fats are created equal. According to Helpguide.org, the good fats are monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats while the bad fats are saturated and trans fat.
9.) Drinking Milk Increases Phlegm
According to Doctor K, a research that was published in 1990 found no link between drinking milk and nasal and phlegm secretions.
10.) Microwaving Foods Is Bad
According to Dr. Caroly Byrd Bredbenner, it's not the cooking method that lessens the nutrients of any food but rather the heat and time alloted for cooking, as noted in eatingwell.com