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Everyday we are fed new and different information about the things we eat. One day we think we are eating right, then a new disturbing fact is revealed about a major part of our diet. In order to control the chaos, we have sifted through some of the most common food myths that will help you get the facts straight once and for all. Clearing the air on nutrition starts here: |
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1. Eggs Should Be Avoided Many are told that because eggs are high in the kind of cholesterol thought to increase the risk of heart disease, they should be avoided whenever possible. However, the truth is that, while eggs are definitely high in cholesterol, they are rich in good cholesterol and definitely not the kind that causes heart disease. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, a special kind of antioxidant good for eye health and choline, a nutrient that boosts brain function. |
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2. Saturated Fat is Unhealthy Saturated fat is believed by many to be another major cause of heart disease, but this conception is surely a myth. New nutritional studies show that there is no connection between saturated fat and the risk for heart disease and in fact saturated fats increase levels of good cholesterol, known as HDL, in the bloodstream. So there is really no reason that you should shy away from butter, meat and coconut oil, all in moderation of course. |
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3. Protein Isn't Good For You Over the years, protein has become associated with bone diseases and damage, but this is entirely a myth. Protein actually improves bone density over time and lowers the risk for osteoporosis and bone fragility in old age. Another myth about protein is that it contributes to kidney failure, but this is only true for those with an established kidney disease. For those without a history of kidney disease, protein can actually reduce the risk for other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. |
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4. You Should Limit Your Coffee Intake Besides the downsides of its addictive factors, drinking too much coffee is believed to elevate blood pressure to unhealthy levels. This, it seems, is too a complete myth because it has been shown that drinking 1-2 cups of coffee a day may decrease the risk for serious diseases by over 50 percent. For instance, coffee drinkers have a 67 percent lower risk of Type II diabetes, a much lower risk of contracting Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and have up to an 80 percent lower risk of liver diseases. Coffee is also an excellent source of antioxidants that help clear the bloodstream of harmful toxins. |
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5. Vegetable Oils Are Healthy Some people swear by vegetable based cooking oils like soybean, sunflower and corn oils, but don't let their vegetable base fool you. These oils are full of polyunsaturated fats like Omega 3's and Omega 6's that are healthy, but in moderation. New studies show that too much Omega 6 fatty acids can cause inflammation in the body and can increase the risk of heart disease. So, next time you are frying, make sure you use other oils like olive and coconut oil instead of vegetable oils. |
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6. Whole Wheat is The Way to Go Although we are told that whole wheat a healthy way to consume carbs, recent studies show that this food myth is the contributing factor to a number of modern health problems. One such problem is an increasing rate of individuals with gluten allergies, known as Celiac Disease. Other studies suggest that whole wheat may contribute to various brain disorders, including schizophrenia and autism, as well as a slew of cardiovascular diseases. |
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7. Sodium is Dangerous Sodium is associated by a number of doctors with high blood pressure and is seen as a factor that can increase the risk for heart attacks. Although it is important for those with abnormally high blood pressure to watch their sodium intake, new studies show that sodium does not immediately affect an individual's chances for developing a cardiovascular disease. It is also important to note that consuming too little sodium can be extremely harmful and lead to diseases like diabetes. |
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Image courtesy of: arztsamui / freedigitalphotos.net
