It is true that in these times, due to the exaggerated amount of information that comes to us through different channels, we are quite confused about what is and what is not true about food.
Every day a habit or a food that we previously perceived as harmless is categorized as "dangerous or harmful" And we no longer know what to do... Shall we stop eating?
Obviously not, enjoying a meal is one of the greatest pleasures in life and you shouldn't be afraid or worry about it.
This is why, in this article, we discuss 8 nutrition myths and explain why they are not true. In this way, from Yuït, we hope to help you or, at least, to clarify your ideas a bit!
MYTH 1: FATS ARE HARMFUL TO HEALTH
It is false that fats are harmful, in fact, it is necessary and beneficial that we include both fats and small amounts of cholesterol in our diet. Since they cooperate in the formation of hormones, they also generate satiety, and help to obtain vitamins such as A, D, E and K, which, in addition to many other things, keep our hair and skin healthy and nourished. There are several types of fats; one of the most to try to consume are the polyunsaturated, which are found both in oily fish and in nuts. They are those like fats trans and the saturated, whose intake should be reduced.
MYTH 2: WHOLE FOODS GET LESS FAT
Integral products are NOT less fattening, in fact, the opposite effect is produced. This happens because the cereals they have are stored with all their cover. They are whole grains, and therefore provide more calories and components than foods that have been refined. What is certain is that, by not going through refining, they are more natural. They contain more fiber and that is something that greatly benefits intestinal transit. In addition, the process of releasing sugar into the blood is much more graduated, so insulin levels are more easily regulated.
MYTH 3: YOU HAVE TO ELIMINATE CARBOHYDRATES FROM YOUR DIET
This myth is one of the most famous. As with everything in life, its consumption should not be abused or exceeded. The best option is to reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates such as sliced bread, pastries, sugar, rice, white pasta... that is, those that have a high glycemic load. And, on the contrary, select those that are integral; rich in fibers and minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, etc.); They help a lot to feel satiated and thus prevent you from continuing to eat more things.
MYTH 4: SKIPPING MEALS HELPS YOU LOSE A LOT OF WEIGHT
This is a dangerous statement; since, it can lead to some TCA (Eating behavior disorder). Stopping breakfast, or eating, is not going to make you lose weight in the long run. It is very important to carry out all the meals of the day, since our body needs energy to function. It is advisable to have 5 meals throughout the day,
since, in this way, the appetite is controlled, the fats that may remain deposited are burned and the body's hormones are balanced. Furthermore, skipping a meal will only cause the next meal to be eaten with much more anxiety; which leads to worse digestions and, therefore, weight gain in the long run if the pattern is repeated.
On the other hand, there are alternatives such as intermittent fasting that many people confuse with skipping meals, when really, what it is about is concentrating food intake at certain times of the day (without reducing the total daily consumption of nutrients). These types of practices must always be carried out under the supervision of a professional and can be the solution to certain pathologies or to rest the intestine, but never with the aim of losing weight.
MYTH 5: A VEGAN DIET DOES NOT PROVIDE THE NECESSARY CALORIES OR NUTRIENTS
Now that veganism is on the rise, it is important to note that this is not the case. There are more and more options for those who decide to take this type of food. Foods such as hummus, tofu, soy desserts, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grain, etc., provide all the calories, vitamins and nutrients necessary for a person's health. In addition to having a wide variety of options, they are healthy and nutritious; since, different vegetable combinations are carried out, which can benefit the organism in different ways.
MYTH 6: EGGS ARE BAD
This myth has been around our lives for a considerable time, and we believe that it is necessary to deny it once and for all. The egg is one of the food products with the most nutrients and proteins that exists. It includes vitamins A, B, D, and E. It is a great source of minerals (selenium, calcium, and iodine). It is cardioprotective and has few calories; In addition, it is related to improvements in cognitive function. What more could you want?
MYTH 7: FOOD LIGHT lose weight
You need to be careful if you have this idea. Yes it is true, that the foods considered as “light”, As some caloric ingredients that they may contain have been eliminated, they have fewer calories than those that do not. The problem comes when people take advantage of this and believe that they are magical; Thinking that they are barely gaining weight, they eat all the amount they want and that is when the opposite effect occurs. You also have to know how to differentiate between healthy and light. There are chips and Diet Coke, and that doesn't mean they are healthy at all.
MYTH 8: REDUCE FRUIT CONSUMPTION BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU FAT
Do you really know someone who is obese from eating two tangerines, 1 peach, 1 apple and 1 banana throughout the day? We of course not. Although the fruit does contain sugars, these are natural and in the form of fructose; In addition, all the benefits it brings to health counteract it. It is the greatest source of essential minerals, fiber, vitamins of all kinds and many other substances that are healthy for our body. They contribute to reducing the risk of suffering from chronic diseases and even suffering from some types of cancer, even suffering from obesity, since, believe it or not, eating a diet rich in fruit helps to control weight.
These are the 8 myths that we wanted to disprove at YUIT, because, for us, eating a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is the most important thing.
What other myths do you know that you would disprove? You can tell us about them in the publication related to this article that is on our Instagram profile: yuit_es
