10 Popular Food and Nutrition Myths You Should Stop Believing

When it comes to your health and nutrition, everything is a matter of trying and testing. You may come across several suggestions and recommendations of what to eat or not to lose weight and keep yourself fit. However, according to experts, no matter what, the conclusion is you should mostly eat a whole, minimally processed diet that is rich in natural foods to not go wrong anywhere. Even though amidst a surge in health-conscious snacking, numerous myths clutter our understanding of what is healthy and what is unnecessary. And so, read here to cut through some of the bigger food myths out there to help you eat better starting today.

Myth 1 Breakfast is the most important meal of the day Reality According to experts, there is no evidence that breakfast should be eaten as it is just a matter of personal preference. Breakfast does not jump-start your metabolism and skipping it will not lead to overeating or weight gain. Myth 2 Snacking is bad for health Reality Snacking between meals is a wonderful way to keep your energy levels up, however, it is really important to choose what you snack on. Eating unhealthy foods regularly leads to weight gain and other health problems like high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The best snacks you can much on include fruits, nuts, and cereals – that too occasionally. Myth 3 You Need to detox regularly Reality Yes, detox is a myth, as there is little scientific evidence that detox diets are effective or even safe. According to experts, most detox foods are a marketing myth and are often based on exaggerated claims not supported by science. Detox diets lead to weight gain when you resume a normal diet, and they harm your body's natural detoxification systems since your body already has a built-in one - liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs. Myth 4 Low-fat foods are good Reality Even though they seem healthy – low-fat foods are mostly packed with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients – most of which lead to excessive hunger, weight gain, and many diseases. It is best to eat whole foods which are not processed and are naturally low in fat. Myth 5 Sweet potatoes are healthier than white ones Reality It is a common belief that potatoes are bad if you want to lose weight. Most people prefer eating sweet potatoes, however, according to experts, the nutrient composition of both is quite similar. It is just that sweet potatoes have more vitamin A and an additional gram of fibre, but white potatoes have more potassium. Myth 6 Red wine is heart-healthy Reality Alcohol has no benefits. Studies say any amount of alcohol increases the risk of heart disease, and moderate drinking of red wine does not necessarily improve heart health. Myth 7 Eggs are bad for your heart Reality Eggs are superfoods packed with protein and calcium. According to experts, most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing their risk of heart disease. Some studies also say egg consumption helps prevent certain types of strokes and a serious eye condition known as macular degeneration that leads to blindness. Myth 8 You need meat for a balanced diet Reality The Mediterranean diet – known as the world’s healthiest uses small amounts of meat in its perfectly balanced ingredients – most of which are fruits and vegetables. According to experts, meat is an optional part of your diet and you must consume more of whole foods for balance. Myth 9 Fatty foods make you fat Reality Diets that are higher in fat tend to be just as effective at encouraging weight loss as diets that are low in fat. Myth 10 Beans are toxic Reality Beans are loaded with fibre and lectins – which are supposedly poisonous. However, lectins are most abundant in raw, dried beans and when you cook beans, the process reduces some of the lectin content. Beans are packed with fibre – making them super nutritious – and best for weight loss and heart health.