Food myths are quite hard to ignore. Statements presented as facts are being handed down from one generation to another, and people follow them religiously believing them to be the truth. However, some myths are downright absurd while some others do have an ounce of truth in them.
Some beliefs about food are passed down through cultures while some others are made along the way. Regardless of the source, it is one’s moral responsibility to educate oneself and follow the correct ways of diet.
What are some healthy food myths that are actually true?
The processes of weight loss or weight gain are highly sensitive. In fact, people readily believe any and all statements pertaining to their health if weight loss/gain is their goal. In such scenarios, segregating the truth from the falsehood can be quite a task.
There are some beliefs pertaining to food that are deemed myths and bluffs, but are actually true! And these truths need to be segregated from the myths so that we can make educated choices for our good health.
Here are 5 myths about healthy food that may seem bluff but are, in fact, true.
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day:
Our body spends about 8 hours without food and water, in a resting metabolic state. The time we spend sleeping is when our body is actively repairing itself and healing for the best. In other words, the blood sugar levels in our system are at a low and so are the hydration levels in the body.
Breakfast is called ‘break-fast’ for a very solid reason. This is the meal that meets the demand for food and water that our body faced all night long. Research suggests consuming breakfast that is high in protein content.
It gives you a strong headstart for the day ahead by increasing your energy levels and keeping you well satiated until your next meal.
- Oatmeal helps regulate blood sugar levels:
Food rich in fibre content and sporting a high glycaemic index is just what one needs when working on a weight loss diet. Oatmeal meets these demands for weight loss in every way.
In fact, the antioxidant content of oatmeal helps lower blood cholesterol levels and improves bowel movement thereby facilitating healthy weight loss. All you need to do is supplement your oatmeal with fruits and nuts so that you can create a complete, healthy, nourishing meal enough to keep you going for a couple of hours even when you’re following a strict diet.
- Broths address cough and cold:
Broths are full of protein and healthy fat from the chicken stock. In fact, even if you consume vegetable broth, it contains extreme amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein enough to keep you satiated for long.
These nutrients from the bone and bone marrow of the meat or from the vegetable content of the soup are enough to address the foreign infection in your system and fight it off. Moreover, it is best to rely on food sources for nutrition instead of medicinal drugs like antibiotics, which could pose potential health hazards in the long run.
You can include a broth of your choice as a regular mid-day snack in your diet so that your body can reap its benefits in due course of time.
- Green tea catalyses weight loss:
Green tea is a rich source of caffeine and an antioxidant called catechin. Catechin and caffeine are highly responsible for speeding up the metabolic process in the body. A high metabolic rate is the key to healthy weight loss.
Weight loss relies on a couple of factors like eating satiating foods, foods that catalyse metabolism, and those that help break down fat reserves. The antioxidant and caffeine content in green tea helps break down unhealthy fat deposits in the body and use them to generate energy.
Unless you have a medical reason to let go of caffeine, you should include green tea in your diet especially if weight loss is your goal.
- Citrus fruit juices improve immunity:
Citrus fruits are some of the richest carriers of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and immunity booster and all the Foods Rich In Vitamin C contains many nutrients with these strong antioxidants . It helps slow down the effects of aging by killing the free radicals in your system. If left unchecked, the free radicals catalyse the process of aging thereby decreasing your life expectancy.
The amazing nutritive and immunity-boosting qualities of citrus fruits also cannot be ignored. Lemon, pomegranate, sweet lime, orange, and grapefruit all work well in this regard. This explains why a vitamin C pill works just right to bring down any cough, cold, or congestion in your body at the earliest.
How can one differentiate between food myths and facts?
A myth remains a myth even if backed by multiple people’s words. And a fact is always a fact even if people’s personal experiences go against it. The distinguishing factor is scientific research papers ad journals written on the subject. If there’s been a thorough investigation and experimentation on the subject, it is safe to deem it a fact. Otherwise, it is simply a myth.
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One’s personal health issues like allergies and food sensitivities can distort their way of the nutritive value of the food, but the fact still remains valid. All you need to do is pay attention to your personal health needs, and choose your food habits accordingly.
Summing it up:
Myths about food intake are present everywhere. In fact, there are more myths than there are established, scientifically accurate facts backed by proper research. However, the solution is to find out what works for you.
A health professional like a dietitian or a nutritionist will be better able to help you in this regard. Allow them to make the right choices for your dietary needs, and watch your health transforming for the best! Your safest bet is to get your diet designed in accordance with the nutritional needs of your body, ongoing health conditions, and current medications, if any.
