20 Common Nutrition Myths Debunked
When it comes to information about nutrition, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at times. After all, the online world is brimming with facts and figures on the subject. But there are just as many myths lurking in the dark corners of the internet that sound pretty “true” as well. Don’t worry, though: we’ve got your back! We’ll be busting 20 of the most common nutrition myths right here.
1. Use unrefined sugars instead of white table sugar
Cutting back on sugars isn’t a bad plan, as we know too much can have an adverse effect on your health. So why not permanently swap the white table sugar for an unrefined alternative?
Well, as a fix things aren’t quite that simple, we’re afraid to say. While the likes of coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup do house vitamins and other goodness, their unrefined sugars all add up too!
“Sugar is sugar”
As registered dietitian nutritionist Allyn Wergin so simply put it on the Mayo Clinic website, “Sugar is sugar.” In other words, don’t let the unrefined tag tempt you into a false sense of security.
Wergin’s comments didn’t end there, either. She noted, “The advantage is minimal, as they are still considered added sugar and contribute to the recommended daily limit on added sugar in the diet.”
2. Everyone should follow a gluten-free diet
How often do you hear the claim that a gluten-free diet is acceptable to everyone? It’s pretty frequent online, right? Well, take it from us: this is definitely a myth.
In case you didn’t know, gluten is the protein housed inside barely, wheat, and rye. And there are plenty of folks who can’t eat it due to health conditions such as celiac disease.
Missing out on vitamins, minerals, and fiber
For those people, gluten-free diets are a must, with their doctors handing out specific “eating plans” to follow. But if you’re not in that group and decide to adopt the diet regardless, the effects could be significant.
Gluten foods are full of important minerals and vitamins that your body needs. Their fiber content is vital, too. As for gluten-free products, they usually contain added salt or sugar to fill in the gap, so without professional guidance, it’s not necessarily the healthiest regime!