FOOD MYTHS YOU THOUGHT WERE TRUE

We all have heard a “fact” about food that we gullibly believed to be the truth only to learn later that it was false.

When it comes to food and nutrition,there are myths and misconceptions that have circulated throughout time. So, how do we tell fact from fiction with food-related science myths?

READ ON AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME FOOD MYTHS 

EATING CELERY BURNS MORE CALORIES THAN YOU TAKE IN

It’s a food myth that celery has negative calories. But, with less than 10 calories per serving and plenty of fiber, it’s a great snack for maintaining a healthy weight.

RAW CARROTS ARE MORE NUTRITIOUS THAN COOKED

Antioxidants may be enhanced when some vegetables are cooked. For example, a study carried out by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found cooking carrots actually increases their nutritional value. Boiling carrots led carotenoids (antioxidants) to increase by 14 percent, while other cooking methods, especially frying, led to a decrease in antioxidant value.

TO MINIMIZE FAT AND CALORIES, ALWAYS REMOVE THE SKIN BEFORE COOKING CHICKEN

The presence of skin in poultry can increase its caloric value by around 25 to 30 percent. However, the skin can easily be removed after cooking. Baking, broiling, grilling, or roasting poultry with the skin intact helps preserve its natural juices and prevent it from drying out. Cook with the skin on—and then remove before serving.

THE FEWER CARBS, THE HEALTHIER YOU ARE

Choosing the healthiest carbohydrates, especially whole grains, is important to your well-being. Major studies, including a study by the British Medical Journal, show that women and men who eat whole grains have 20 to 30 percent less heart disease. Overall, the increased intake of whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality, the researchers concluded.

USING MARGARINE INSTEAD OF BUTTER WILL SAVE CALORIES

Butter and margarine have about the same amount of calories. But while margarine, made from vegetable oils, was developed as a more healthful alternative to butter (which contains cholesterol and saturated fat), some margarines are actually unhealthy because they contain trans fats, which have even more adverse effects on cholesterol and heart health.
 
YOU’LL SLEEP BETTER AFTER A NIGHTCAP

Many people will consume alcohol for its alleged sleep-promoting effects. However, drinking alcohol before bed may disrupt your sleep and increase wakefulness, even in healthy adults.

CRANBERRY JUICE CAN CURE A URINARY INFECTION

There’s no proof that cranberry juice or supplements can treat an infection, which should be medicated with antibiotics. But drinking the juice or taking supplements regularly can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

VITAMIN C CAN KEEP YOU FROM CATCHING A COLD

Research has shown that vitamin C generally does not ward off colds,but it may be helpful in people who participate in extreme physical exercise. A study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found ingesting a pill of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, before a single bout of exercise suppressed superoxide dismutase activity, a marker of stress in the body, among participants who took the pill, compared with those who ingested a placebo. However, the researchers are unclear on the efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress.