When it comes to nutrition, researchers are always learning more about Food and how our body works, therefore it’s easy to understand that studies will change the way we eat. For example, in the 1980s and 1990s, cereal loaded with sugars was believed to be nutritious and parents all over the world fed their kids meals that were unhealthy. Recently, aspartame has become the latest compound to enter a cloud of controversy as fitness experts keep finding negative aspects to the artificial sweetener that is credited with adding zero calories to your drinks. Today we look at 10 nutritional myths that have been busted as a result of clinical studies.

Myth: Eggs Are Bad For Your Cholesterol

People often avoid eggs because it is widely believed to Raise Cholesterol Levels. The truth is, eggs have a very minimal impact on cholesterol. The human body makes its own cholesterol therefore you really don’t need to raise your levels with food. However, saturated and trans fats both raise cholesterol levels. Eggs contain a miniscule amount of saturated fats, making this delicious breakfast food item completely safe to enjoy!

Myth: Wine is the Only Alcohol That Is Good for The Heart

Many people believe that a glass of wine is good for the heart and while this is true, a beer or vodka and soda has the same health benefits as a glass of wine. Researchers once believed that the antioxidants in wine raised good cholesterol and therefore it was good for the heart. However, recent studies have shown that ethanol (alcohol) is the main component to raising HDL levels in the body and protecting the heart. Moderation is key, of course, but wine holds the same health benefits as beer and spirits.

Myth: Organic Foods Are More Nutritious Than Regular Food

If you’re eating organic foods for its nutritional benefit, then you may want to reconsider your food choices. Recent studies have shown that there is no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventional food. Of course you must wash your food for the small amounts of pesticides but beyond that, there is no difference from a nutritional standpoint.

Myth: If you Cook Olive Oil It Negates The Health Benefits

Unless you are cooking Olive Oil past its smoking point which is 207 degrees Celsius, the health benefits remain intact. Research has shown that olive oil could stand the heat. Studies have shown that the compounds which make olive oil healthy remain intact up to 207 degrees Celsius or 405 degrees Fahrenheit.

Myth: Looking to Lose Weight? Go Gluten-Free

It’s understood that gluten is bad for those who suffer from digestive disorders or autoimmune conditions but beyond that group, gluten is totally fine. Gluten has no correlation to weight meaning that if you’ve dropped all gluten in anticipation of dropping pounds, it won’t happen.

Myth: Detox and other “Cleanses” Are Essential to a Healthier Life

You may know someone who recently went on a detox diet and lost 5-20 pounds. However, once they stop following the diet, they will probably regain the weight lost as most of the weight was muscle mass. Detox diets reduce muscle which could explain the massive reduction in weight for those who are seeking a quick solution to weight loss.

Myth: Sea Salt is More Healthier than Table Salt

Table salt contains 2,300mg of sodium per teaspoon. Sea Salt contains 2,300pg per teaspoon. They are identical. Those who prefer sea salt claim that it contains a healthy amount of iron. However, these are only trace amounts and have no impact on your regular diet. In order to get a decent amount of iron from sea salt, you would need to eat so much salt that it may kill you.

Myth: All Calories Are Equal

You may have that one friend who eats a 300-calorie sausage mcmuffin everyday and believe that it’s the same thing as eating a 300 calorie salad. Not all calories are the same. Our body stores calories differently therefore some calories are stored as fat while other calories will burn off easier.

Myth: Mult-Grain is Better than Whole Wheat

At our HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinics, our nutritionists are always debunking this myth in particular. Multi-grain is essentially hundreds of refined grains. 100% whole wheat is much healthier than multi grain, which happens to be a keyword which a lot of people associate with good health.

Myth: Low Fat Foods Are Healthy 

Another myth which often gets debunked at our clinics is the idea that Low Fat Foods are healthy. The body needs fats to operate therefore reducing fats isn’t always the greatest of ideas, though it all depends on your diet. Lastly, most of the low fat foods are replaced with sugars, often making them unhealthier in comparison to their counterparts.

If you would like to find out more about healthy foods or would like to gain advice on nutrition, please visit a HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic near you or call (416) 431-4000. Our experienced staff members will develop a plan designed to make you be happier and healthier.  

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