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The same food and nutrition misconceptions have been circulated for millennia, whether you learn them from a friend or see them in an advertisement. Nowadays, people have easier access to a wealth of knowledge, which makes evaluating the veracity of these health claims even simpler. Read on to learn more about 10 food and nutrition myths that are simply myths, whether you have questions about the purported calorie-burning properties of particular foods or are interested in the connection between red meat and your health.
1. All Fats Are Bad
People always presume something bad when they hear the word “fat” in relation to their food. They frequently link fatty foods to obesity.
While there are undoubtedly “bad” fats, such as trans fats found in processed foods, there are also healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. For instance, these beneficial fats can lower a person’s risk of diabetes or heart disease.
2. Some Foods Actually Burn Calories
The term “negative calorie” refers to foods that are said to burn more calories during digestion than they really do. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it is not true that food can burn off more calories than it provides.
You can’t just eat a certain way to lose more weight. That is to say, you cannot eat in order to lose weight. But because they can speed up metabolism, foods with caffeine may help people lose weight.
3. Eggs Lead to Higher Cholesterol
As more individuals learn about the cholesterol in eggs, they start to worry that eating eggs can raise their bad cholesterol levels. They are nonetheless unaware that if one eats a typical amount of eggs each week, the amount of dietary cholesterol in eggs does not raise cholesterol above the upper limits.
If your cholesterol is high, it might be a good idea to monitor how many eggs you consume each week to ensure that you stay within a healthy range.
4. More Fiber Is Always Better
Fiber may aid in weight loss and diets, but too much fiber isn’t always a good thing. If you abruptly increase your fiber intake, you may experience bloating, gas, and other digestive problems. Fiber consumption should be moderate, just like everything else. If you want to consume more fiber each day, start out slowly and increase your intake over time.
5. High-Fructose Corn Syrup Is Worse Than Sugar
High-fructose corn syrup is widely acknowledged to be unhealthy.But where did the rumor come from? Perhaps it was created when someone noticed how common high-fructose corn syrup is.
High-fructose corn syrup and obesity have been linked in research, but the American Medical Association has determined that there is no difference between the two when it comes to someone being obese. However, because high-fructose corn syrup is present in almost all processed foods, it’s still a good idea to monitor your intake.
6. Caffeine Is Bad for You
Caffeine can be harmful to your health in very high doses. But when used moderately, this stimulant doesn’t merit the negative reputation it frequently receives.
Unexpectedly, caffeine has health benefits. It boosts your energy and can help speed up your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories (especially before a workout). Actually, some research suggests that caffeine may have a positive effect on your liver.
7. Starchy Foods Lead to Weight Gain
Bread, rice, cereals, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy foods are frequently linked to weight gain and obesity. In actuality, a lot of these foods are low in fat and calories, which makes them an ideal component of a properly balanced diet.
The only difficulty? People eat more than they should because these starchy foods aren’t as filling as ones high in protein. In other words, while starchy meals do not always cause overeating, they do make it more convenient to do so.
8. Fast Food Should Always Be Avoided
Fast food has a negative reputation since it contains a lot of saturated fat and calories. It shouldn’t be completely excluded from a person’s dietary plan, though. The NIDDK advises making wiser decisions at the drive-thru, such as staying away from supersized combo meals and choosing salads and grilled chicken breast sandwiches in place of hamburgers. In other words, a healthy diet can occasionally contain fast food.
9. Eating Late at Night Leads to Weight Gain
The consumption of too many calories, regardless of the time of day, can lead to weight gain. Late-night eating does this. All of this is to say that the most crucial factor to take into account is the balance between the calories you consume and burn.
Do you feel like a late-night snack? How many calories did you consume throughout the day? You’ve undoubtedly reached your daily calorie goal if you’ve eaten multiple meals and snacks.
10. Eating Red Meat Is Bad For Your Health
Red meat is frequently linked to a variety of health hazards, including cancer, heart attacks, and stroke. Red meat should never be consumed in excess, but when consumed in moderation, it can be a healthy component of a diet. People can benefit from eating leaner types of red meat in moderation. For instance, red meat is a rich source of zinc, iron, and protein.
