Nutrition has to be one of the most misunderstood subjects in the world today. And it seems like there are always new myths appearing and spreading like wildfire. Fad diets come out almost every year, just to get refuted and replaced by new ones the next. What’s worse, is that many make lifestyle choices based on these myths. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition.
Red Meat is Evil and Will Kill You
We’ve been reading for years that red meat is the enemy and can lead to all sorts of disorders from heart disease all the way up to colon cancer. But the truth is somewhere in the middle. While excessive red meat consumption might be dangerous, red meat in moderation is not only safe, but is essential for us to get certain nutrients. Meat in general and red meat in particular is one of the best natural sources of heme iron and B12 we can find.
Fats Do Not Belong in a Healthy Diet
This is not only false, but could actually be detrimental to your health. According to Nina Teicholz, author of The Big Fat Surprise, there might be a hidden agenda as to why the idea of fats being bad for you has been engraved in the mind of the American public.
The truth is that fats play an essential role in our everyday diet, and that includes trans fats. Natural trans fats found in butter and other dairy products have been linked to many health benefits. According to a study that was published by the University of Alberta, it was found that natural fat found in beef and dairy products could actually help reduce some risks associated with diabetes, heart disease and even obesity.
Eggs are Bad for You
While it is true that eggs contain a significant amount of cholesterol, and that high blood cholesterol can contribute to clogged arteries, food cholesterol doesn’t have that much of an effect on blood cholesterol as many people think. As a matter of fact, our bodies will have a tendency to reduce the natural production of blood cholesterol when cholesterol is introduced in the body. But that doesn’t mean that you should celebrate with a 4-egg omelet. Try to stick to the American Heart Association’s guidelines and limit your daily consumption of cholesterol to 300 mg a month, which is about one and a half eggs.
Carbs are Bad for You
Carbohydrates play an important role in our nutrition and should not be avoided completely. The reason why this myth is so pervasive is because people mistake carbs with bad carbs. While it is true that low carb diets have many health benefits, you should instead focus on reducing your carb intake and going for good carbs only.
We hope we were able to dispel some myths about nutrition in this article. If you’re unsure about your food choices, we strongly suggest that you consult a nutritionist who will give you some guidelines on how to maintain a healthy diet.
