Top 3 Food Myths: Busted!
Top 3 Food Myths: Busted!
The more we learn about nutrition, the more we question the beliefs from long ago about what was considered healthy. But unfortunately, some of these myths have stuck around for quite a long time, and they are still wreaking havoc on our health and nutrition decisions today. Here are the top three food myths that we want to bust.
Myth #1: Eggs Contribute to Bad Cholesterol
Eggs have had a bad reputation for decades. Thankfully, recent studies have cleared their bad name and actually proven how healthy eggs can be. A lot of people don’t realize that dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol are not one in the same. Studies have found that dietary cholesterol consumption has little to no effect on blood cholesterol in most individuals. So even if eggs are high in dietary cholesterol, you don’t have to write them off forever if you’re watching your cholesterol levels. Eggs are actually packed full of nutrients like zinc, iron, and Vitamin D, along with antioxidants and brain-boosting substances. While you shouldn’t overdo it with anything, eggs should be marked as safe and healthy to include in your diet.
Myth #2: Margarine Is Healthier Than Butter
Years ago, margarine was introduced as a healthier, non-dairy butter alternative. While it did serve its purpose in reducing some of the bad fats that butter was criticized for, we’ve come a long way in understanding nutrition. For starters, most margarines are mostly composed of highly processed vegetable oils, such as palm oil or soybean oil. These have next to no nutritional value and have actually been linked to an increase in bad cholesterol. They are also high in saturated fats, which can lead to heart disease and other chronic health conditions. Butter is generally a healthier choice than margarine, provided it is a high-quality butter. Grass-fed organic butter is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is heart-healthy. When using butter in moderation, we feel confident in flipping this myth on its head.
Myth #3: Low-Fat and Fat-Free Options Are Best
Before we knew a lot about nutrition and healthy eating, the mindset was that fewer calories meant less body weight. Companies started marketing low-fat and fat-free options to people looking for healthier, low-calorie options, and the idea that these are superior stuck. However, this is absolutely false. When a food manufacturer removes the fat from a food product, they have to add other ingredients to compensate for the lost taste from the fat. Most often, this is in the form of highly processed oils, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and other very unhealthy ingredients. Nowadays, most nutrition experts agree that avoiding low-fat and fat-free options is a must. In most cases, you’re better off choosing foods with higher levels of good fats, like nuts, avocados, seeds, and healthy oils.
Along with a healthy diet, chiropractic care is a great way to improve your overall health and wellness. Dr. Brendan Shanahan and Dr. Thomas Madigan are neurologically-based chiropractors in Rochester Hills, and they would love the opportunity to serve you and your family. Contact Vitality Precision Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and get on the road to better health.