We’ve all heard various claims about the effects of different foods on our health. From sugar making kids hyper to the myth about turkey making you sleepy, the world of food and nutrition is full of misconceptions. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common food myths and explore the scientific truths behind them. Let’s dive in and uncover the reality behind these widely believed but often false “food facts!”
Bacon Causes Acne
Bacon is incredibly tasty and savory. It’s undoubtedly greasy, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re a teenager, you may have come across the claim that bacon triggers acne. However, eating bacon is unlikely to lead to a breakout. In reality, other factors such as skin irritants, sun exposure, and hormones have a greater impact on skin health.
Coffee Stunts Growth
If you’re concerned about offering teenagers coffee due to potential caffeine content affecting their health, rest assured that it won’t have a negative impact on their growth. Despite common beliefs, coffee consumption does not inhibit the growth of children or teenagers. So, feel free to let your teenager enjoy a cup without worrying about any effect on their height.
Honey is a Health Food
Honey is often praised as a health food that offers unique benefits. It’s used in remedies, face masks, and more. Many people believe that honey is a healthier alternative to sugar, but this is not entirely true. According to scientists, consuming honey doesn’t provide significantly different effects than consuming sugar. At the end of the day, both honey and sugar are still forms of sugar.
Sugar Causes Diabetes
There is a common belief that sugar is the cause of diabetes, but this is actually a myth. Despite diabetes being related to our body’s processing of sugar, no direct cause has been identified yet. So, feel free to enjoy your sugary treats without worry! Just consume them in moderation, as suggested by health experts.
Thanksgiving Turkey Makes You Sleepy
The myth about turkey causing drowsiness due to its tryptophan content is not entirely accurate. Although turkey does contain tryptophan, the amount consumed during a typical Thanksgiving dinner is not enough to induce drowsiness. The feeling of sleepiness often experienced after such a meal is more likely due to overeating, commonly referred to as the “itis.”
Eating Ice Cream Makes a Cold Worse
When you have a cold, you may have been advised to avoid cold treats, such as ice cream. Some say that ice cream can make you more phlegmy and aggravate your cough. However, research indicates that ice cream and other dairy products may thicken phlegm, but they do not necessarily increase phlegm production. Additionally, some claims have been made that ice cream could even help alleviate a sore throat.
Carrots Give You Better Vision and Eyesight
Parents go to great lengths to make vegetables more appealing to their kids because many have heard the myth that carrots improve vision and eyesight. While carrots are full of eye-healthy vitamins, they don’t grant better vision.
Sparkling Water Isn’t Hydrating
You may have heard that drinking flat water is more hydrating than sparkling water, especially in gym circles. However, the good news is that carbonation has no impact on water’s hydrating properties. So, if you prefer sparkling water, go ahead and enjoy it without any worry!
Sugar Makes Kids Hyper
Have you ever been told by a parent not to give their child sugar before naptime? Despite the popular belief that sugar can make a child hyperactive, there is actually no scientific evidence to support this claim. Instead, you may be witnessing the power of suggestion. By telling children that sugar will make them hyper, they might be more likely to act hyperactively.
Organic Means Pesticide-free
Are you someone who purchases items from the organic section? If so, you probably assume that the produce is free from pesticides. However, the “organic” label doesn’t always guarantee that the produce is pesticide-free. Organic farmers have the option to use naturally derived chemicals as pesticides, and some of these can be just as harmful as the lab-created pesticides used on conventional produce.
Milk is a Healthy Drink Option
The famous “Got Milk?” ads convinced many of us to drink milk, but is it as healthy as we were led to believe? Many of the supposed benefits of milk have been found to be overblown, and some might even be completely untrue. Studies have shown that milk consumption is associated with higher rates of heart disease and obesity, which are significant health concerns for those over age 50.
Chocolate Improves Libido
Chocolate has often been considered a romantic gift, with the belief that it may have aphrodisiac properties. However, the idea that chocolate can enhance libido is largely unfounded, and there is limited evidence to support this claim.
Orange Juice Prevents Colds
Research has indicated that while vitamin C doesn’t generally prevent colds, it may be beneficial for those engaging in extreme physical activity. A study from 2019 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition discovered that taking a pill of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, before a single session of exercise decreased superoxide dismutase activity, which is a marker of stress in the body, in those who took the pill compared to those who took a placebo.
Chicken Skin Has Extra Fat
The caloric value of poultry can increase by around 25 to 30 percent due to the presence of skin, as indicated by a 2015 study in the Journal of Food & Nutrition Research. However, it’s easy to remove the skin after cooking. Baking, broiling, grilling, or roasting poultry with the skin on helps retain its natural juices and prevents it from drying out. Therefore, it’s recommended to cook with the skin on and then remove it before serving if desired.
Eggs Contain High Amounts of Cholesterol
Eggs have been unfairly linked to high cholesterol, but studies have shown that they are actually a good source of nutrients. The American Heart Association recommends consuming one whole egg or two egg whites per day as part of a healthy diet. It’s important to be mindful of the saturated fat in your diet to keep cholesterol in check.
The Fewer the Carbs, the Healthier the Food
It’s essential to prioritize the consumption of healthy carbohydrates, especially whole grains, for overall well-being. According to a 2016 study published in the British Medical Journal, individuals who include whole grains in their diet have been found to have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of heart disease. The researchers also concluded that an increased intake of whole grains is linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality.
18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
There are many foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, which are full of things like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body function at its best. Experts recommend you should eat these 18 foods every day to live a healthier life.
Read: 18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50
Age is just a number, but not regarding eating habits. The older you grow, the more your body needs nutritious food to stay fit and healthy. While there are many things you’re encouraged to eat, when you cross 50, your go-to foods can’t look the same as they once were. Your body is changing, and so should your eating habits.
Read: 15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50
18 Ultra-Processed Foods You Should Avoid
Ultra-processed foods are full of additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that are bad for your body. While they may be tempting, the long-term effects of eating these foods can include obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health problems. Avoid these 18 ultra-processed foods to live a healthier life.
