Ever wondered why grandma insists you shouldn’t eat curd at night, or why that viral Instagram post claims certain food combinations are toxic? From family WhatsApp groups to social media feeds, we’re bombarded with food “facts” that shape our daily eating habits. But here’s the intriguing part that many of these widely believed dietary rules might be nothing more than well-preserved myths!
Let’s dive into 5 popular food beliefs that have been passed down through generations. You might be surprised to discover that some of your trusted food rules are actually nothing more than age-old misconceptions!
Myth-1 You should avoid all processed foods
Not all processed foods are bad for you – that’s just a myth. Think about it: milk is processed to remove harmful bacteria, frozen peas are processed to stay fresh longer, and whole-grain bread is processed from wheat to make it edible.
What does study say?- According to American Journal of Nutritional Study there’s a big difference between good processing (like canning tomatoes) and bad processing (like making candy). The trick is knowing which processed foods help us and which ones to limit.
Myth 2- Carbohydrates make you gain weight
Many people blame carbs for weight gain, but science tells a different story. A big 2019 research study looked at lots of evidence and found that carbs aren’t the real problem. What actually causes weight gain is eating too many calories, regardless of whether they come from carbs, fats, or proteins.
What does study say? – According to a study by New England Journal of Medicine, low-calorie diets lead to weight loss regardless of being low-carb or low-fat. Evidence from long-lived populations in Okinawa and the Mediterranean shows that complex carbohydrates can be part of a healthy diet.
Myth- 3 Natural sugar is healthier than refined sugar
While many people believe that natural sugars like honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar are significantly healthier than table sugar, research published in the Journal of Nutrition (2020) shows that the body processes these sugars similarly.
What does study say? – According to a study by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, maple syrup, honey, and regular sugar have similar caloric content and blood sugar impacts. Though natural sweeteners contain trace minerals and antioxidants, you’d need excessive amounts to gain any significant nutritional benefits.
Myth 4- Water-based diet is the best way to lose weight
You might have heard a lot about people adapting a water-based diet at least once a week for weight loss. However, it’s not what it looks like. While it seems like it is a good way to detox, weight loss with water-based diet is a myth.
What does the study say? – According to a study by The National Library of Medicine although rapid weight loss might occur initially, it is mostly water weight and may quickly return once normal eating resumes. For people looking for rapid weight loss, rather than going for extreme fasting methods, opt for physical activity and balanced diet.
Myth 5- You can’t get enough protein from plant-based foods
While animal-based foods provide complete proteins with all nine essential amino acids needed by our bodies plant-based foods typically lack some essential amino acids. With the right choice of plant-based diet, getting adequate nutrient is possible. What can you eat?
- Eat More Greens
- Choose Whole Grains
- Beans For Protein
- Nuts Add Nutrients
- Fresh Fruit Daily
- According to a study by The National Library of Medicine, A water-based diet is not the best way to lose weight. While staying hydrated is important, relying solely on water can be dangerous, leading to malnutrition, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown. Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet with proper nutrients, regular exercise, and healthy calorie deficit.
