5 Lies About Food You Need to Stop Believing

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It is quite sad to note that a lot of the ideas that people know about food is apparently not true and not backed by proper research. Some information has been distorted, misleading people to consume unwisely and scaring them away from their favorite foods.

Below are some of the myths or lies about food perpetuating in society.

Myth #1 Refined seed and vegetable oils are healthy

People have been harping about increasing the intake of refined seed and vegetable oils, like soybean oil, sunflower oil, canola/grapeseed oil and corn oil to lower the risk of heart disease.

This has to be clarified. It is actually polyunsaturated fats, a balance of omega-3 and omega-6, which decrease your vulnerability to heart disease. The key word is balance. You have to get enough of each. You get omega-3 from eating fish, grass-fed animals, and many seeds and nuts while omega-6 is derived from refined seed and vegetable oils.

According to studies, too much of omega-6 is actually detrimental to one’s health, causes inflammation in the body, and can lead to serious diseases.

But, unlike processed seed and vegetable oils, coconut and olive oils are healthy.

Myth #2 Egg is bad for the health

When all this talk about cholesterol increasing chances of heart disease came up, people started looking at eggs differently. While it does have high cholesterol, studies show that eating eggs for breakfast is not associated with having heart disease.

The culprit in cholesterol or the bad ones are saturated and trans fat — not the good ones found in eggs.

Eggs are actually packed with lots of nutrients, including antioxidants that are good for the eyes, and can be part of a healthy diet, in moderation.

Myth #3 Chocolate is bad for the skin

As a teenager, you were probably told to slow down on your chocolate intake as this can cause breakouts. But studies have shown no correlation between chocolate and that teenage problem called acne.

Dark, raw chocolate is actually good for the heart and lowers the risk of heart disease. Aside from being a powerful source of antioxidants, dark chocolate improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Myth #4 Coffee is bad

Coffee, too, has been regarded as a no-no for health buffs. But while it is true that it raises one’s blood pressure, this is only a short-term effect.

Coffee is actually a good source of antioxidants — even better than vegetables and fruits. Regular intake of caffeine present in coffee can improve one’s mood, memory, and other brain functions. It makes you more alert and doesn’t cause you to feel lethargic.

A study among coffee drinkers showed that they are less likely to contract diabetes, cirrhosis, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

However, moderation is key. Try to stick to 1-2 cups a day and if drinking coffee disrupts your sleep, you can opt for green tea to maximize the benefits of caffeine.

Myth #5 It is best for all to cut down on sodium

It is said that decreasing one’s sodium intake will decrease one’s blood pressure. While this is true, take note that high blood pressure is just a risk factor and not the cause of a disease or death.

Studies made on people with heart disease showed that reducing sodium in their diet had no effect on their blood pressure.

What’s more noteworthy is that people with low intake of sodium increased their risk of death due to type II diabetics. Other unfavorable effects of low sodium intake include resistance to insulin, and elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The bottom line is: Healthy people need not cut back on their sodium intake drastically. They just have to moderate it.

After having debunked these lies about food, you should get to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, occasional piece of chocolate or omelet for breakfast without guilt or fear.

Sources: Healthy Holistic Living, Huffington Post, and Authority Nutrition.

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Amy Goodrich
Amy is a life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach. She is the founder of the healthy lifestyle website www.Body-in-Balance.org and creator of the online program, www.ThinForever.me. After successfully changing her family’s health and happiness, she’s on a mission to help other people achieve the life and body they want. You can find here on Facebook or Google+ or get her free clean, whole food recipe eBook here: http://www.body-in-balance.org/amys-home-kitchen-recipe-book/