There are a lot about health issues that have been debunked by science
over the years. But do a quick internet search and you'll still be
bombarded by tons of ridiculous health claims floating around in
cyberspace. The fact that such misinformation can still be accessed is
probably why so many of us are still confused when it comes to taking
care of our health.
And don't be surprised if you were fooled by the ones listed below. Here are the 10 common health myths that people still believe to be true.
Myth 1: Fatty Food Makes You FatThere was a time when fat was considered the enemy in weight loss. Fat won’t make you fat, unless you eat too much of it. The trick is to
balance your energy levels by burning more calories than you consume. And while it may be a concentrated source of calories, eliminating it entirely would be a mistake since it's still a
necessary part of any healthy and balanced diet.
Of course, some fats are seen as 'better' than others. Whole-food fats
(nuts, seeds, avocado) are satiating and help you feel fuller for a
longer period of time; while foods like french fries don’t fill you up.
They also don’t contain other useful nutrients like foods with good
fats. But beware of anything labeled "fat free", as it actually still contains fat and adds quite a bit of sugar.
Myth 2: Carbs Make You FatCarbs were also once deemed as the evil ingredient by Atkin followers. Again, the truth comes down to striking a healthy balance, so a healthy amount of carbohydrates really should cause any problem. Just remember that any weight gain will occur when 'excess' is consumed (whatever that may be to your body).
So what kind of excess are we referring to here? That would refined and highly processed carbohydrates, which can actually trigger cravings. While it's a good idea to limit the number of carbs you eat in the form of sugar (low in nutritional value and high in calories), eliminating carbs completely may cause you to miss out on healthy food such as whole grain breads and wheat pastas.
The bottom line is that you don’t have to eliminate carbs of fats entirely. Just focus on the options with greater nutritional value and limited processing.
Myth 3: MSG Is Bad For Your HealthMonosodium glutamate or MSG has a pretty bad rep, and has been blamed for everything including being a dietary problem to a silent killer. For some sensitive people, MSG may trigger things like headaches although it's possible that their sensitivity may be due to unknown reasons.
Some theorize that MSG causes obesity, but these studies that were induced in mice involved direct injections into the brain. The only sure thing about MSG is that it tends to be a marker for highly processed foods, which by now you should already know is pretty bad for your health.
Myth 4: High-Fructose Corn Syrup Is Worse Than SugarThere's actually not much difference between high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sugar, so you won’t find a huge difference in the overall impact to your health. The only real negative impact is that it takes a huge toll on the environment, and is a marker for highly processed foods.
As you may have noticed, a lot of stuff covered here (HFCS,
carbohydrates, and fat) often appear in highly processed foods. But instead of demonizing the ingredient, focusing on the food as a whole might pay off in the longer run.
Myth 5: Gluten-Free Foods Are HealthierThere's a ongoing debate about whether going gluten-free will cure you of everything that ails you. But experts say it all really depends on what your specific body needs. Those with celiacs disease or have been deemed as gluten-sensitive can benefit from ditching gluten. But just because some people need to eat gluten-free doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Firstly, the absence of gluten in a food does not automatically make it healthier. Soda is gluten-free, and a lot of gluten-free breads are actually made with refined starches. A variety of foods that are high in whole grains (foods
containing wheat, rye, or barley) also contain gluten and they're an essential part of a healthy diet. Going gluten-free diet when you don't need can actually restricts the amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals you are able to consume. But like with everything else we've mentioned so far, just remember to eat it with balance in mind.
Myth 6: Pooping Daily Is A Sign Of Good HealthThere's no single bowel movement schedule is right for everyone. As long as you stay hydrated, eating foods high in fiber and keep active, your bowels will do their job when its ready. Experts have also agreed that the frequency of defecation is not something that should be put to a schedule, since it is a bit unreliable and dependent on food intake.
What is more important is to check the consistency of the stool. For that you need to check with the bristol stool chart exists, which is more reliable of an indicator of health than the frequency, As long as your poop doesn’t cause you discomfort, you don’t need to worry much.
Myth 7: Microwaving Nukes NutrientsWhile the microwave oven does indeed "nuke" your food, it won't elimate all nutrient content. Some nutrients like sulforaphane from broccoli might be affected, but this does not extend to all nutrients. The only real reason to avoid using the microwave would be because it of how it impacts the taste and texture of your meal after.
Myth 8: You’ll Lose a Pound of Fat for Every 3,500 Calorie You BurnSorry, but there really is no such simple equation for weight loss. While you do lose one pound for every 3500 calories burned (generally speaking), that loss isn't necessarily all fat but more of a combination of fat plus a modest amount of water and other forms of tissue. So don't expect this formula to help with your fat reduction, or you might wind up disappointed and back to where you started.
Myth 9: Spot Training Helps You Burn Fat in Specific AreasWhile some people may believe that focusing exercise to certain muscle groups and parts of the body can help burn fat in those areas, experts say that real fat loss just doesn’t work that way.
Any type of spot training like sit-ups can indeed strengthen abdominal muscles, but this doesn't mean it turns that area to a fat burning machine. The pattern of fat gain or loss has more to do with each person’s unique body. Men and women each tend to have stubborn areas (waist and hips/thighs
respectively), and these areas are usually the hardest fat deposits to tackle. Reducing your overall body fat through aerobic or cardiovascular exercise while watching your diet is likely to yield better results than spot-training.
Myth 10: The Scale Is Still The Best Way Manage Fat Loss ProgressWe’ve all stepped on the scale to check our weight, hoping that the numbers will not go past the 3-digit mark. But what many folks don't seem to remember is that things like water and muscles can also add to those numbers.
To the scale, a pound of fat is the same as a pound of muscle. So if you're strengthening your muscles during your exercise regimen, you might actually see a small amount of weight gain rather than weight loss. And that's not a bad thing. This is why sticking with the scale is really not the best way to track the progress of a healthy diet and exercise. A better way will be to monitor how you feel and how you look after a good workout.