Five nutrition myths debunked

Knowing how to give your body what it needs is no easy task. With health-related information coming in from different directions, it is often difficult to decipher good nutrition from bad. If your newspaper, Twitter feed and next-door neighbour are all telling you different things, we’re here to help. We have debunked some of the biggest nutrition myths out there today to give you a better idea of how to best feed your body.

Eating eggs is bad for your cholesterol level

Cholesterol is a fat found in your blood. When you have too much of the “bad” kind – also known as LDL – it can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blockages. HDL – or the “good” kind – helps to remove excess cholesterol from your body. While it’s true that eggs contain a substantial amount of cholesterol, studies have shown that they increase the “good” kind in your body. Plus, egg yolks are highly nutritious. Daily egg consumption is completely healthy and safe for most people, unless you have a specific genetic condition that predisposes you to elevated cholesterol.

Avocados will make you fat

It’s a long held and outdated believe that fat makes you fat. In fact, it’s the types of fats you eat that make the difference in your weight. Avocados, for example, are extremely nutritious, high in heart-healthy fats, and can be enjoyed daily in healthy portions. In fact, studies have shown that people who eat more avocadoes tend to weigh less. That’s because healthy fats, like those found in avocadoes, will get used by the body and will also contribute to satiety. Plus, avocadoes are very high in fibre.

A calorie is a calorie

It is misconception to say that all calories are created equal. One hundred calories coming from a chocolate bar will lead to a different outcome compared to 100 calories of salad or meat. Sugar and refined carbohydrates can very quickly turn into fat. Similarly, one 1,600 calorie diet can promote a healthy weight or even weight loss, while another 1,600 calorie diet can lead to weight gain. Where the calories come from is the most important part!

Eating small meals throughout the day is better than eating three meals per day

Research has confirmed that eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day does not burn more calories compared to eating three meals a day. In this case, if the total calories are the same, then the amount of calories burned is also the same. Although purposeful snacking can be beneficial, eating more frequently can actually cause you to consume more food because the more you eat, the more you want to eat. Giving your body a break in between meals promotes detoxification and allows your digestive system to rest.

Pure fruit juice is healthy

Even if a juice has no added sugar, it is not a healthy beverage and shouldn’t be considered as such. Juice is mostly sugar, and leaves the healthier components out. Furthermore, store-bought juice is pasteurized, which will kill off many nutrients – including Vitamin C – despite what the nutrition label says. Plus, juice floods your body, causing a spike in insulin, which makes the sugar convert into fat. Stick to water, tea/coffee, or milk in moderation, and have juice as an occasional treat.