There's some misinformation in nutrition that just seems to spread fast. Our readers seem confused about what is really healthy. Now, let's set a record by debunking some of the most common myths about nutrition.
Myth 1:
Carbs Are Bad for You Carbs have been ganged up on by most low-carb diets on the market. Actually, not all carbs are created equal. While refined carbs (in the form of white bread, sugary snacks) make one gain weight and develop certain health issues, complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables become crucial for energy and health in general. These types of carbs provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals required for digestion and heart health, promotion of energy levels during the day.
Myth 2:
Eating Fat Makes You Fat For years, fat was the bad guy when talking about weight gain, so low-fat diets were born. However, it really isn't the villain. Healthy fats, such as those in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are extremely essential to brain health, production of hormones, and in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. What really matter here are the type of fat and portion size. It is important to limit trans fats and excessive saturated fats, but unsaturated fats are, however, beneficial and essential for a balanced diet.
Myth 3:
You Need to Detox Your Body Detox diets and cleanses are trendy, but the idea that your body needs a little help with the natural detoxification process is a myth. Your liver, kidneys, and digestive system are more than capable of removing toxins from your body. Eating well-balanced and varied diets that include lots of whole foods and water, in addition to regular exercise, goes a long way in keeping the body in top shape instead of relying on costly and restrictive detox programs.
Myth 4:
Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain It has been believed that when one eats after a certain hour, this leads to weight gain. Actually, that is a myth. What really matters is not when you eat your meal but the overall intake of these calories and the quality of the meal. If your supper is well-balanced and within your daily caloric need, there won't be any weight gain. Still, too much snacking or heavy/ large meals at odd hours of the night surely can interfere with both sleep and digestion. So late-night eating is still something to be careful about.
Myth 5:
All Calories Are Equal Although a calorie is indeed a measure of energy, all the more reason not all calories are built the same in terms of health and nutrition—or how your body handles them. For example, 100 calories of candy is not the same as 100 calories of vegetables. When the former supplies empty calories holding very little to no nutrition, the latter would offer a good supply of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Therefore, quality matters just like the quantity.
Myth 6:
Supplements Are a Way to Short-Cut the Road to Better Health Most people think that taking vitamin and mineral supplements is a quick way to boost one's health. Even if dietary supplements may be appropriate in certain conditions, like taking vitamin D during winter or iron in case of anemia, they cannot replace a balanced diet. In contrast to dietary supplements, whole foods have more complex combinations of nutrients interacting in ways that cannot be duplicated in pills. Over-reliance on supplements creates imbalances and forgoes the health benefits contained in the food.
Now that you know what some of these nutrition myths are, you can debunk them and make better choices for your health.
