Busting Common Nutrition Myths

Do you know the truth about nutrition?

The truth is, there are a lot of myths out there about what we should and shouldn’t eat. But what’s the real story?

We’re busting common nutrition myths to help you make informed decisions about your diet.

Learn more about the truth behind common nutrition myths.

Hey you all, food lovers! Have you ever started believing some food-related facts that you just read somewhere or heard from someone? At times, they could be just myths and merely based on any scientific evidence.

Let us explore some common misconceptions related to Indian food and understand the real truth behind them.

Myth 1: Consuming fish and milk together can cause white spots on the body.

Fact: There are several fish recipes in which milk or curd are used in curries or marinating. This combination does not cause any toxic effects, white spots, or vitiligo on the skin.

Myth 2: Desi ghee is unhealthy.

Fact: Desi ghee is super healthy. Although it is a form of saturated fat, it contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), butyric acid, and other compounds that aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.  

Myth 3: Honey and jaggery are healthy replacements for table sugar.

Fact: Although honey and jaggery are better than table sugar as they are natural unrefined sweeteners, their calorie load is almost the same as sugar. Hence, one must be careful and not liberal while eating jaggery or honey as they can also result in instant blood sugar spikes and weight gain.

Myth 4: Avoid eggs due to their high cholesterol content.

Fact: One medium-sized egg (50 g) contains approximately 183 mg of cholesterol, and as per ICMR, one must maintain the cholesterol intake at 200 mg per day. Studies have shown that cholesterol in the eggs has a minimal effect on our blood cholesterol levels; hence you can enjoy them easily.

Myth 5: Nuts intake can result in obesity and raise cholesterol levels.

Fact: Nuts are loaded with good fats like monounsaturated fats, beneficial for our heart and brain. Studies support that eating nuts provide fullness and have a cholesterol-lowering effect on the body. So, the next time you need a nutritious snack, feel free to indulge in a handful of your favourites.

Myth 6: Frozen fruits and vegetables contain less nutrition than fresh ones. 

Fact: Frozen foods have equal or more nutrients than fresh ones. Frozen fruits and veggies are frozen immediately after being harvested, and freezing “locks in” many of their nutrients. In contrast, fresh foods may lose nutrients from fields to your supermarkets during their transit.

Myth 7: Indian vegetarian diets lack protein.

Fact: Indian vegetarian diets are nutritious and packed with high-quality protein-rich foods like milk, curd, paneer, tofu, quinoa, pulses, peas, chickpeas, legumes, sprouts, lentils, and amaranth.

Myth 8: Gluten-containing foods are unhealthy.

Fact: Gluten is a protein present in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Gluten-rich foods can cause indigestion issues to gluten intolerant or allergic people. If you do not suffer from any of these, you can relish gluten-containing foods. 

Myth 9: Avoid milk when you have a cold.

Fact: This is another common myth to avoid milk during cold because it increases mucus production. Studies have shown no truth in this, and you do not need to skip the milk.

Myth 10: White potatoes are unhealthy.

Fact: White potatoes are incredibly nutritious as they are an excellent source of nutrients like dietary fiber, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. However, one must avoid overeating to prevent unwanted calorie load.

Food myths are easier to believe, but it is always advisable to validate them by practicing little research on your own.