For ages, there have been numerous myths about food. Some continue to haunt us till today, and some new myths have also emerged. Various research studies on the nutritional values and health benefits indicate that most food-related myths are trivial in their origins, and some even baseless. Another thing to remember is that apart from its nutritional value, foods also need to be enjoyed, cherished, and used as a medium of conversation and bonding. Most foods consumed in moderation do not harm the body - only excess does. So here are some myths that may have confused us, but not anymore.
1. Coffee and tea will wreck your life!
Umm, no. Tea and coffee are an integral part of our morning routine and evening snacks. Tea and coffee contain theanine and caffeine, which make us alert and act as mood enhancers. Studies indicate that flavonoids in tea helps improve blood circulation. Moreover, drinking tea (without milk and sugar) is a great way to help keep your body refreshed and quench your thirst without becoming dehydrated. It also plays an excellent part in your weight management program.
2. Ice cream will give you a cold!
A common cold is caused by viral or bacterial infection, which has nothing to do with consuming ice creams and sherbets. Most ice creams undergo pasteurisation, which stops the formation of illness-causing bacteria, and so are safe. Sherbets, when made from safe and clean water, do not make you ill. Dental decay is caused by unhygienic conditions of the mouth. No single food can cause dental decay unless it’s kept in the mouth for long periods of time. Regular practices of gargling and brushing the teeth, especially after meals or a snack, helps to keep dental decay at bay.
3. Noodles are the only thing with Glutamate in them.
Glutamate is an amino acid naturally found in many everyday foods such as cheese, mushrooms, milk, tomatoes, and chicken, among others. MSG is a flavor enhancer produced through a natural fermentation process using molasses from sugar cane, tapioca or corn sugar. There is a general consensus however, in the scientific community and among international regulatory bodies such as FAO/WHO and USFDA, that MSG, when consumed in appropriate amounts, is safe for general consumption. These conclusions are based on numerous biochemical, toxicological and medical studies conducted over four decades.
4. You can't eat soup for a meal.
Soup is not just an appetizer. Since most soups are made from vegetables, meats and pulses, they can be nutrient dense while containing far fewer calories. Soups are found to provide the feeling of satiety (feeling full) even after having smaller quantities. Soups are good replacements of unhealthy snacks like deep fried samosas, cakes and namkeen. This is also the reason that people who are watching their weight are recommended consuming soups of various kinds.
5. Pastas and noodles are not digested properly
Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body to provide energy and perform other body functions. Pastas and noodles, like rotis, naan, sooji and parathas, are largely carbohydrate-rich foods. The digestion of these foods start when you take your first bite and continue as the food reaches your stomach. Many pasta and noodle preparations are made of whole wheat, contain a vegetable and/or meats, and other condiments that increase the nutritional value and also provide roughage that aids in digestion. So the next time, just make sure you chew your pasta and noodles, and opt for the whole wheat or the durum wheat pasta version with vegetables or meat.
6. Not eating eggs will keep your cholesterol low.
Not just eggs, but studies have found that cholesterol in foods has very little impact on cholesterol in people. Rather than making your cholesterol higher, eggs actually keep your saturated fat in check. At the same time, don't hog too much on eggs as they're very high on fat content.
7. Milk will give you stronger bones.
Regardless of what your mother told you, scientists at Harvard etc have found no data to support the claim that consumption of milk leads to better bones, weight loss, or improved health.
8. The fewer carbs you consume, the fitter you will be.
Even though the first thing people who're trying to lose weight quit is carbs, healthy carbohydrates like whole grains are essential for you. Studies say eating healthy grains can reduce the chances of getting heart diseases by 20-30%. Plus healthy carbs help you lose weight quicker.
9. Raw vegetables are always healthier than cooked veggies.
No matter what you are told, there are some vegetables that are healthier when cooked. Vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbages, and peppers actually get better when they are cooked. These vegetables are loaded with anti-oxidants and cooking them makes it easier for the body to absorb these nutrients.
This article was originally published in India Times