Here are some myths on nutrition that people used to hear and believe, as quoted from Mayo Clinic:
- Sugar causes diabetes
Healthy people will not get diabetes solely from consuming sugar. Type-2 diabetes has multiple risk factors: high-calorie diet, obesity, and being physically inactive.
- All fats are bad
Our bodies need fat for nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, etc. The keys are choosing good type of fat and controlling the amount of it. Excessive fat consumption may cause weight gain, heart disease, and cancer.
- Eggs with darker-colored eggshells are more nutritious than eggs with lighter-colored eggshells
The colour of eggshells has no relation towards the taste nor the nutrition content of eggs.
- Avoiding seafood will lower cholesterol
An increase in blood cholesterol depends on the intake of saturated fat and trans fatty acids, not seafood.
- Cutting down on carbohydrates to lose weight
Low-carb diet causes the body to burn the carbohydrate reserve to produce energy and heat. During this process, water retained in our body is also released. Thus, the occurrence of drastic weight loss happens largely because of elimination of water retained in the body. In other words, your weight will quickly bounce up back again.
- Nuts are fattening
Nuts are indeed high in calories. For example, 15 cashews contain 180 kcal. However, if we can control our consumption, nuts can be a part of healthy diet. Nuts are rich in good fats, which are useful for lowering LDL.
- Pregnancy means eating for two people
Generally, pregnant women are advised to add 100 calories to their daily intake during the first trimester and 300 calories during the second and third trimester, but it does not mean that they can eat whatever they like. Snacking before bedtime is okay, just choose something healthier such as fresh fruits or yoghurt.
- Skipping a meal is good for weight loss
Skipping meals will cause our body to slow down the metabolism. As a result, at the next meal time, we tend to overeat.
- Red meat is not healthy
Several studies have linked the consumption of red meat with increased risk of heart disease because of its saturated fats. Simply choose a meat cut with less fat content!
Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photos from BigStockPhoto.com
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