Food Myths

When it comes to the foods that you eat every day, there are plenty of so-called 'facts' which you have never given a second thought. Many of them make diets restrictive and take the enjoyment out of eating. This article is the real deal to bust some common myths about food.

1- Say no to eggs = Say no to harmful cholesterol

Although an egg contains nearly 215 mg cholesterol,egg cholesterol seems to have little impact on blood cholesterol levels.

According to a 2012 study published in National Center For Biotechnology Information, a number of recent clinical trials that looked at the effects of long-term egg consumption reported no negative impact to cardiovascular health.

2- Sugar is the main reason for diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, and is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors including high calorie diets, overweight and physical inactivity . 

It is not the sugar, which causes diabetes rather it is the inability of the body to effectively metabolise carbohydrates, which leads to diabetes.

3- Fat makes you fat.

But that's the half truth! Fats have such a bad name that people forget that even good fats exist too,just like good bacteria. These healthy fats found in olive oil ,salmon etc. actually keep us satiated by slowing down the digestion process.

4- Eating at night causes weight gain

Eating at night, especially midnight snacking is often blamed for weight gain, but it is not really because of when we eat, it is because of what we eat. It is rare to find people snacking on fruit salad rather than chips and cookies. Blame the snacks, not the night.

5- Say no to milk during cold.

This is absolutely untrue as no research has proved that milk worsens the cold or increases the mucus production. So it is safe to say that it is more of a myth than fact.

6- Spicy foods are responsible for ulcers.

While spicy foods are not recommended to take if you have an upset stomach, but it is really not responsible for peptic ulcers. In fact , chilli peppers have a huge role in healing the ulcer by promoting alkali secretion.

7- Coffee is unhealthy.

Although caffeine is present in coffee, we do forget the presence of the antioxidants which is helpful for the body. Coffee increases metabolism and reduces the risk of diseases such as dementia, diabetes (Type II) and certain types of cancers too.

8- Gluten-free foods should be consumed to lose weight.

Gluten-free foods are only for people who suffer from celiac diseases. So if you do not suffer from celiac diseases and consume this variety of foods, chances are that you might not get some important vitamins and fiber. A gluten-free diet is not necessarily a weight loss diet.

9- Drinking water during meals is a no-no.

There are no evidences that water will dilute the digestive juices or interfere with digestion. In fact, drinking water during or after a meal actually aids digestion , since it helps in breaking down of food for better absorption.

10- Meat is rich in cholesterol which is bad for the body.

What people forget is that meat is actually full of 'harmless' cholesterol. Cholesterol is formed in every cell membrane of our body because they are necessary for the formation of hormones.

Conclusion-- Moderation is the key. As long as you consume all of these foods in right amounts, then no need to worry.

I hope this article was helpful for keeping aside your guilt of being a coffee-lover , a midnight snacker and a fan of spicy foods. Take care and stay safe foodies.