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9 Worst Nutrition Myths of All Time

Today, thanks to the internet you can virtually get any information regarding health and wellness with just a few clicks. But, the sad truth is most of it is either partly or fully incorrect. Here are a few of the worst Nutrition Myths ever.

9 worst nutrition myths of all time

So, here I am going to discuss 10 such persistent nutrition myths that have only little truth in them.

And I’m sure once you’re through with understanding them, you’ll be able to make wise decisions for yourself.

1. All fats are unhealthy

This is totally incorrect. In fact, Dietary fat is an essential macronutrient that is required to maintain optimal health. A diet low in fats can actually increase the risk of various cardiovascular conditions and may lead to insulin resistance in the body.

Just remember to consume mostly good fats (MUFA, PUFA) and that too in moderation.

2. Having smaller meals throughout the day boosts your metabolism

Many individuals believe that having small meals throughout the day instead of a few large meals will help them burn more calories by revving up their metabolism.

This has some truth in it but, the difference in calories is very negligible, it won’t have any major tangible effect.

3. Fasting cleanses our body from toxins

Our bodies can effectively remove the toxins itself through the Liver, kidneys, and spleen without any outer help. So, don’t force yourself to consume only detox smoothies and juices for a day. This won’t magically boost the detoxification capacity of your organs.

4. Organic foods are better for you

Organic food just means that they’re free from herbicides and pesticides. There is no evidence that they contain more nutrition than regular options. They sure are a better option but they don’t provide any extra benefit to promote health and wellbeing.

5. You must drink 8 glasses of water per day

Staying hydrated is important but, the standard rule of 8 glasses of water that we hear all the time is not true at all. That’s because the fluid requirements of individuals change according to their age, health, diet, routine, geographical location, etc.

6. Eggs yolks are bad for health

Egg yolks do contain around 190 milligrams of cholesterol per large egg, and it is true that cholesterol builds up in our blood and results in clogged arteries which ultimately lead to a heart attack.

But, consuming an egg or two a day won’t have any major impact on cholesterol levels in the blood because our body will simply compensate it with manufacturing less cholesterol itself. Just note that you should limit your cholesterol intake below 300 mg per day.

7. Consuming carbohydrate makes you fat

Carbohydrates don’t make you fat, eating more calories does. Complex carbohydrates or ‘Good carbs containing foods such as whole grains, vegetables, pulses, beans, fruits, etc are in fact good because they provide energy, essential minerals, and vitamins to your body.

However, you must limit your intake of simple (refined) carbohydrates containing foods like white bread, pasta, cakes, doughnuts, etc.

8. You crave certain foods because you’re body is deficient of nutrients that they provide

This one is interesting because only iron deficiency can make you crave things like clay, ice, dirt, chalk, or even paper. But besides this, there is no evidence that any mineral or vitamin deficiency can make you crave certain foods.

Our food cravings are associated more with satisfying our emotional needs rather than physical. That’s the reason why conditions like binge eating and emotional eating are so prevalent.

9. Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar

Sugar in any color or form is going to spike your blood sugar levels if you consume it in large amounts. The only difference between brown and white sugar is taste, rest all the risk factors of overconsumption remain the same.

I hope that you got some valuable information about myths and misconceptions related to nutrition from this article. I would love to know what nutrition myths you believed in before reading this article, let’s discuss in the comments!

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