Over the past few years, many myths about food have gained a tremendous amount of momentum. Below are some of the most common myths doing the rounds today.
1. Eggs Are Bad for You
Although large eggs may contain approximately 200 mg of cholesterol per yolk, extensive research has shown that most people are able to consume up to an egg a day without any risk of raising their cholesterol count to dangerous levels. Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD., R.D., a professor of nutrition at Penn State University said in this regard, “Epidemiologic studies show that most healthy people can eat an egg a day without any problems.”
Kris-Etherton further mentioned that the cholesterol you consume doesn’t have a significant impact on raising blood cholesterol levels because the body usually compensates by manufacturing less cholesterol itself. However, this doesn’t mean that you can consume an unlimited amount of eggs each week – instead, it is best to keep consumption levels to a maximum of one per day.
2. Carbs Make You Fat
Over the years, numerous people have been led to believe that consuming carbohydrates will make them fat. While refined carbs such as processed sugar, white bread and pasta and baked goods like cakes and donuts will cause you to gain weight when consumed in excess, the main reason why most people gain weight is that they consume too many calories overall, to begin with. Carb-rich foods such as beans, fruit and vegetables and whole grains should be consumed in moderate amounts each day to ensure that you get the necessary amount of fiber and nutrients in your diet.
Although it is possible to lose weight by adopting a low-carb diet, it’s important to remember that this type of eating can seem extremely restrictive in the long term – which can cause you to binge and gain even more weight.
3. Your 8 Glasses of Liquid a Day Need Not only be Water
Many people are under the impression that, as long as they are drinking 8 glasses of liquid per day, they will be able to flush toxins from their bodies. However, it is essential to ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of pure water per day. This will help flush toxins from the liver and kidneys, which will help keep the rest of your body healthy. In addition, your skin will look more radiant and you will feel less tired during the day because you will not be dehydrated.
4. You Should Fast Regularly to Get Rid of Toxins
A lot of people have been led to believe that they need to fast every few months in order to perform a detox on their bodies. However, the body is able to detox itself naturally, thanks to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These organs eliminate waste products and toxins from the body naturally, so there is no need for you to go on a restrictive juice fast or faddy detox diet. In fact, these diets can do more harm than good.
5. White Shell Eggs aren’t as Healthy as Brown Shell Eggs
When shopping for eggs, many people think that those with brown shells are healthier or more nutritious than those with white or pale shells. In fact, the color of the egg shells is determined by the color of the chickens that produced them. For example, chickens with white feathers and earlobes will produce white-shelled eggs, while brown-feathered birds will produce eggs with brown shells. So the next time you shop for eggs, you can rest assured that the cheaper white-shelled varieties are just as healthy as the brown ones.
6. Clear Glass Bottles are Better for Storing Milk
Although it may be better to store milk in glass bottles instead of plastic alternatives, it can turn sour quickly if the glass container is clear. Milk needs to be stored in an opaque container, as this prevents it from souring earlier than it should. A darker container will also help protect the light-sensitive B-vitamins and other nutrients that occur naturally in the milk.
Believing the food myths mentioned above could result in you spending far more on groceries than you should. When consuming foods such as eggs, dairy products, and fatty meats, it’s important to remember as well that all of these must be consumed in moderation. Increasing the number of vegetables that you consume will not only help reduce your grocery bill; it will also help reduce cholesterol levels, leaving you healthier than ever before.