Nutrition myths 6-10
6. Foods such as eggs are bad for cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is found in animal foods such as dairy products, meat, egg yolks and organ meats. Many avoid eating these foods because of their cholesterol content, however high blood cholesterol is just one risk factor for heart disease. For most, eating cholesterol-containing foods has a small effect on blood cholesterol levels; it's eating foods that are high in fat, especially saturated and trans fats that have a greater effect. If you are generally healthy and do not have high blood cholesterol, your diet can include eggs and other cholesterol-containing foods.
7. I need to take vitamin and mineral supplements, even if I'm eating well.
If you are generally healthy and eating according to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, vitamin and mineral supplements may not be necessary. Taking supplements can be harmful as toxic levels of some nutrients are more likely to be reached when you are taking supplements instead of food. Food is your best source of nutrition, providing disease-fighting properties such as antioxidants and phytochemicals that a vitamin/mineral supplement doesn't. Specific individuals may require vitamin and mineral supplements, so talk to a health professional if you think you may need a vitamin/mineral supplement.
8. High-protein diets promote healthy weight loss.
Diets that promise weight loss are often lower in overall calories, so you are likely to lose weight regardless of the types of foods you are eating. Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are often too high in fat, too low in fibre and deficient in many essential vitamins and minerals. You may feel nauseous, dehydrated and constipated if you are not eating enough carbohydrate foods. Following Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, in addition to regular physical activity, may help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
9. Eating fat is bad for my health.
Fat is an essential nutrient for good health; however, eating too much may lead to weight gain and/or obesity which could result in an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Different types of fat have a different effect on blood cholesterol levels. For optimal health, choose less saturated and trans fat, and more polyunsaturated (including omega-3 fats) and monounsaturated fats.
10. Fruits and vegetables are not safe to eat because they contain pesticides.
Pesticides undergo strict evaluation before being approved for use on Canadian produce. Canada has one of the safest food supplies in the world, with several government bodies ensuring the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables in the country.
Once you demystify the numerous myths about nutrition, you can enjoy the freedom that comes with having a good food attitude.
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