7 Food myths you still think are facts
We live in the era of fast and readily available information. Unfortunately, not all of the information is accurate or factual, leaving many of us still believing certain myths that circulate around for years- including in food-related knowledge. It’s time that we put down those myths once and for all. Don’t be afraid to stand corrected and let’s get educated.
1. An Apple Keeps The Doc Away
Just because there’s a nice ring to it, it doesn’t mean that an apple will magically prevent or cure all illnesses. While apples are packed with vitamin C and fiber, both of which are important to long-term health, they aren’t all you need to get a proper immunity system. To make sure that you stay away from certain viruses or bacteria, keep your hygiene level up, maintain a good and healthy diet, and last but not least, get vaccinated.
2. Everything ‘Brown’ Is Better Than ‘ White”
Brown sugar or brown rice does not mean that it’s better than their white counterparts. For example, brown sugar is practically white sugar with some molasses or a common residual sticky syrup. Nutritionally or calorie-wise and also in processing, both are similar.
Same goes for brown rice which has more fiber and protein than white rice, but at the same consists of more calories, carbs and fat. White rice does have a higher sugar content which may promote a higher level of insulin thus bad for diabetic people, but generally there isn’t any evidence that supports brown rice as better than white rice. Our verdict, consume both in moderation!
3. MSG is bad
Known to enhance flavors, there is a lot of controversy surrounding MSG that it may be difficult to know which is fact or not. Official sources such as FDA claims that MSG is safe and no human studies have found evidence that suggests MSG causes destruction of nerve cells. The fact is MSG is commonly found in processed and low quality-foods, which may explain the negative perception. But as long as you stick to a healthy diet, there’s no reason to ban MSG altogether.
4. Eating Fat Makes You Fat
The fear of fat has been around forever. But don’t forget that fat also exists in healthy foods such as avocados, walnuts, olive oil and others. Dietary fats are essential to give your body energy and to support cell growth. They also help protect your organs and help keep your body warm. Fats help your body absorb some nutrients and produce important hormones, too. Your body definitely needs fat.
5. Eggs Cause Cholesterol
In a 2018 study in the journal Nutrients, researchers found eggs don’t actually contribute to high cholesterol. In fact, eggs are an inexpensive source of many nutrients, including zinc and iron, antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin D, and the brain-boosting chemical choline.
However, keep in mind that the research on eggs has gone back and forth over the years so don’t overdo it. The American Heart Association says one whole egg or two egg whites a day can be part of a healthy diet. Keep cholesterol in check by monitoring saturated fat in your diet.
6. Frozen Foods Are Bad
In most cases, nutritional content is often preserved by freezing, especially in the case of fruits and vegetables. Several studies have found that frozen fruits and veggies are higher in certain nutrients, like vitamins A and C. In fact, the vitamins and minerals in fresh options can break down over time, whereas freezing retains them. Same goes for fish that are properly preserved. Not only are frozen food so convenient to stock, they can taste great and work into many recipes too!
7. Wine is For Alcoholics
Wine, and especially red wine, has been studied extensively. Evidence suggests that moderate consumption may help people live longer, protect against certain cancers, improve mental health, and enhance heart health. A recent analysis of studies found the optimal daily intake of wine to be 1 glass (150 ml) for women and 2 glasses (300 ml) for men. Just make sure you are of legal age when you do.
