It is interesting to observe how many food myths exist and how stubbornly people and many health professionals believe in them. Listed below are few common ones and the truth behind them.

#Myth No.1

Fruit juices are healthier than whole fruits
Fact: Fruit juice, which is considered healthy by most people is almost as bad as soft drinks for the only reason that they contain very less fibre and more sugar which does more harm than good.

 

#Myth No.2

Skipping meals can help you lose weight
Fact: When you skip a meal, your body slows down your metabolism to compensate for the lack of food. At the next meal, it is common to overeat causing greater total caloric intake than if the meal was not skipped. A better approach is to eat small, frequent meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar balanced.

 

#Myth No.3

All fats are bad
Fact:
Everyone needs fat as it aids in nutrient absorption, nerve transmission and maintenance of cell membranes. Some fats promote good health while others increase the risk for heart disease. Try to replace the bad fats (saturated and trans) with the good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated). The quantity of aft consumed is important. When consumed in excessive amounts, fat contributes to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

 

#Myth No.4

Avoid nuts because they are fattening
Fact:
Nuts are high in the good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and plant sterols, which have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. They are high in calories so should be eaten in moderation.

 

#Myth No.5

Sugarfree is helpful in dieting
Fact: Taking artificial sweetener for long can lead to depressions, giddiness, diabetes in long run, cancers, gastritis, tooth decay, infertility, kidney damages and many more problems. So, instead of opting for long term side-effects, it is better to make smarter choices. Have sugar but in restricted amounts.

 

#Myth No.6

Cutting down fat completely from diet is important to loose weight
Fact: This is one of the most deep-rooted myths. Some vitamins like A, D, E, K are fat soluble and can be absorbed by the body only in the medium of some dietary fat. Completely avoiding fats can also result in dryness of skin and high pigmentation.

 

#Myth No.7

Eating raw salads and soups will help you to lose weight faster
Fact: Eating only limited food can lead to lots of deficiencies and eating raw salads and soups can only ca be harmful as it can lead to hyperacidity and joint pains. These foods are good but only to be taken if it suits your body.

 

#Myth No.8

More the sweat, more the weight loss
Fact: Exercise is a fabulous way to relax, tone body and to improve stamina. But beware of over-exercising which is done to lose weight faster. In most cases, it leads to frustration and injuries. Exercise should be done three to four times a week in moderation.

 

#Myth No.9

Drinking enough water will help you in losing weight
Fact: Water does not cause you to lose weight, but it does keep you hydrated and might help you snack less. Water is essential for good health and wellbeing. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger – if you’re thirsty you may snack more.

 

#Myth No.10

Sugar causes diabetes
Fact : If you do not have diabetes, sugar intake will not cause you to develop the disease. The main risk factors for type 2 diabetes are a diet high in calories, being overweight and an inactive lifestyle. It is only if you have diabetes, that you need to watch your intake of sugar and carbohydrate.

 

#Myth No.11

Fad diets will help me lose weight faster and to keep it off
Fact: Fad diets are not the best way to lose weight and to stay thin as these diets often promise quick weight loss only if you strictly eat or avoid some types of foods. Some of these diets may help you lose weight at first but later on these diets are hard to follow. Most people quickly get tired of them and regain most of the lost weight.