Here are the 5 common nutrition myths debunked!
There is a lot of nutrition information out there, both fact and fiction! And it can be frustrating trying to sift through all the information. But, your Registered Dietitians have looked at the research and have debunked these misconceptions. Some of the nutritional information we hear can be confusing or even conflicting which leaves us wondering…what can we believe as we try to best nourish our bodies? Below are some 5 common nutrition myths debunked that we have heard for years, but aren’t necessarily true.
1. Eggs are unhealthy because they are full of cholesterol.
Yes, eggs do contain cholesterol. But they also have lots of other valuable nutrients such as high quality protein and vitamins A and E. Studies have suggested that dietary cholesterol doesn’t impact blood cholesterol in the same ways that inactivity or a diet high in saturated fat will. Plus – eggs will keep you feeling fuller longer and are a tasty way to start our day!
2. Organic food is always better.
Organic is good – no question about that! 100% organic means that our foods are free from antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, and many other additives we could do without. But keep in mind that just because something is organically grown, that doesn’t automatically make it better than its non-organic counterpart. An organic cheese puff will not provide any more nutrients than an old-fashioned one will.
3. Foods that are brown are made of whole grains.
This is an example of when being a good label-reader pays off! Always make sure that the ingredient list specifically says “whole grain.” Certain dyes can create that brown color you see. We certainly want the benefits of including whole grains in our diet – such as reducing our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
4. Carbohydrates will cause weight gain.
Carbs have gotten a bad rap lately. While a diet containing a lot of carbohydrates from sources such as bread, pasta, and rice will add more calories per serving, this doesn’t mean that they will increase your pant size. Simply control your portion sizes instead of avoiding them altogether. Also, not all carbs are created equal. Fruits and veggies are also in the carbohydrate family and can do amazing things for our health and energy levels.
5. Fats should be avoided for optimum heart health.
Just like carbohydrates come in different forms, so do fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and walnuts are very beneficial to heart health. The fat we want to make sure we avoid is trans fat. Fortunately, less food manufacturers are including these fats, but check labels to make sure. Additionally, limit the amount of saturated fats that you include in your diet from dairy and meat products.
If you’d like to hear more about nutrition or have any questions about your current diet, call and schedule an appointment with one of our amazing dietitians. They will be able to help you dispel more myths as well as help to create a diet that’s in YOUR best interest. You can also subscribe to our mailing list to keep you informed, educated, empowered and enthusiastic about your nutrition.
Whether you are a novice in the kitchen, or a seasoned chef, Dietitian Klara will work with you to help you reach your nutrition goals. Co-author of Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating, Cooking with Diabetes and Cooking with Food Sensitivities Guide.
