7 Food & Nutrition Myths Debunked

1. Raw veggies are always more nutritious than cooked ones

A popular generalization is that cooking takes away nutritional value of food items. That’s not true for fruits and vegetables that contain Lycopene and Beta-Carotene, both of which are powerful antioxidants. So remember; it’s better to cook your tomatoes, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbages, and peppers for greater health benefits.

2. Vitamin C keeps you from catching cold

Vitamin C does not ward off cold, except in unusual cases - marathoners, skiers, and people working in sub-Arctic conditions are known to benefit from it. For the rest of us, what can actually keep the common cold (which is nothing but a viral infection) away is keeping your hands clean, avoiding touching your face, nose, and mouth, and maintaining distance from the infected people in your vicinity.

3. Fat-free and low-fat foods are better than full-fat ones

When manufacturers remove fat from these foods, they usually add something else that will compensate for the taste (mostly sugar). Companies juggle and tinker with the ratios of sugar, other kind of fats, and salt, among other ingredients, to keep their product exciting for the human taste buds. So be careful with your fat free foods. All that extra sugar will eventually get converted into fat anyway.

4. Margarine is a healthier option than butter

Margarine is made from vegetable oils, as opposed to butter, which contains cholesterol-boosting saturated fats. But, many types are actually unhealthier because they are loaded with trans-fats, which can have more adverse effects on cholesterol and heart health than butter. So, if you'd still go for margarine, make sure that you look for brands that are free of trans-fats.

5. The lesser your carbohydrate intake, the healthier you are.

Whole grains are a must for a well-balanced body. Seven major global studies prove that people who eat whole grains reduce their chances of getting heart diseases by a good 20-30%. There is a strong positive correlation between high amount of whole grains in one's diet and lower body weight.

6. Chocolate ensures a healthy heart

There is isn't enough evidence to indicate that chocolate is good for your heart. Some industry sponsored studies have tried to establish a link between some varieties of dark chocolate and minor heart benefits. But the negatives of eating something laden with fats and sugar outweighs the benefit.

7. Skip eggs and keep cholesterol levels under check

Eggs, as proven by research on the subject, don't actually contribute to high cholesterol levels. They actually keep cholesterol in check by minimizing saturated fat in your diet. Eggs are also a very affordable source of several important nutrients, including zinc and iron, antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, Vitamin D, and the brain-booster choline. Eggs ARE high in fat content and, therefore, should be consumed in moderation.