Food myths are deeply ingrained in our minds. Some are passed down from generation to generation, while others are actively promoted by influencers and pseudo-experts. And while there’s a grain of truth behind most of these claims, scientific research often tells us otherwise. Here are six of the most common food myths you should stop believing.
1. Eggs are the enemy of the heart
For many years, it was believed that eggs raise cholesterol levels and harm the heart. In fact, modern research shows that one or two eggs a day do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yes, the yolk contains cholesterol, but its amount is not enough to have a critical effect. In addition, eggs are a valuable source of protein and nutrients.
2. Carbohydrates make us fat
This is one of the most persistent myths. In fact, carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet. The problem is not the carbohydrates themselves, but their quantity. If you regularly consume more calories than you burn, the excess (including carbohydrates) does indeed turn into fat. But this is not a reason to cut bread, pasta or fruit from your diet.
3. Eating in the evening means gaining weight
The time of day you eat is not crucial. A calorie is a calorie no matter what time you eat it. What matters is the total number of calories and the balance of your intake throughout the day. If you are within your daily allowance in the evening, nothing bad will happen.
4. If the body does not absorb the product, you gain weight
This statement goes against basic logic. If the body is unable to digest a certain food, it simply does not extract calories from it. In this case, on the contrary, it is a matter of nutrient loss, not fat accumulation.
5. If you crave something “unnecessary,” it’s your body’s signal that you’re lacking nutrients
In the animal kingdom, this works, but in humans it is more complicated. Human cravings for sweet, salty or fried foods are most often an emotional reaction related to stress levels, routine or habits. Our brains “ask” not for useful things, but for familiar and pleasant things.
6. Fasting is the best way to detox
One of the most dangerous myths. In fact, the body has its own detox system that works every day — with the participation of the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. No fasting “cleanses” the body better than biology does. But the harm due to energy deficiency or dehydration can be considerable.
Not all nutritional advice is equally useful. Many of them are nothing more than legends that have long been outdated. To truly take care of your health, it is better to focus on scientifically proven information, rather than on loud headlines or “life experiences” from social networks.
