This is part of a series of articles where we bust the most common nutrition myths.
There are lot of common myths floating around out there about what is really healthy and what isn’t. How good the food we eat has been a hotly debated topic for a while and there are lot of misconceptions out there. Let’s cleat them all up, right now!
I’m on Diet; Diet Coke Please!
People on diet choose diet soda over regular soda thinking it will help them me control the calories I consume. Although it has zero calories it is loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals which harm the body. Research has shown that artificial sweeteners may actually make you eat more. They dull your senses to naturally sweet food making you eat more of the food.
Organic Food is More Nutritious
The demand for organic produce have increased recently due to the claims that they are nutritionally superior to conventionally produced food. However, there are no consistent research which confirms this claim. The only difference is that organic foods have less of pesticides than the conventionally grown foods. So whichever type of produce you have, you still get the same amount of nutrients.
Eating Lots of Sugar or Sweets Causes Diabetes
Diabetes is linked to eating sugar as it is connected to high levels of blood sugar, so the apparent connection between eating too much sugar and diabetes. Diabetes is connected to genetics and lifestyle factors. However, a person with Diabetes has to control his sugar intake and follow a strict diet and exercise regime to keep blood sugar levels in control.
I Can Have an Unlimited Amount Of Diet Snacks as They Have Less Fat
Diet snacks though less in fat they still contribute to calories. The tendency is to eat extra portions of the diet snack and also extra calories which we seem to forget. For example, two servings of low fat yoghurt will contribute to the same calories as 1 serving.
To Lose Weight You Have To Completely Eliminate Fat
You get calories from carbs, fats and proteins. What is more important is to concentrate on the amount of calories that comes from fat/oil. Fat is an essential part of your body and need to be given through the diet. Choose healthier options of fat/oil such as olive, sunflower, nuts, flax-seeds and such foods.
Vada Pav v/s Burger
You are very hungry and you have to make a choice between our vada pav and the imported burger, I would ask you to grab the vada pav. Why? Vada pav is made up of potatoes with a tempering of curry leaves, mustard and chilies that has a casing of gram flour and deep fried. This is eaten with white bread. But the total calories you get is not more than 286 calories. While a burger is made up of white bread, frozen patties that is deep fried, topped with mayonnaise, ketchup and cheese with a sprinkle of lettuce and a piece of tomato. All this give you a whopping 460 calories or more.
