Every day we are exposed to a plethora of health and nutrition information on the internet, but how reliable are they? Listing down some of the most common diet myths that separates facts from fiction.

Myth: A vegan diet is considered healthier

A vegan diet can prove to be healthy however it totally depends on what you are eating. Eating a plant-based diet might give you several health benefits like keeping your heart healthy and controlling blood sugar levels. However, not eating meat or dairy doesn’t really mean your diet is balanced as meat is a rich source of Protein, Vitamin B12 and Iron, while dairy products are a rich source of Protein and Calcium. Vegans, who exclude all meat and dairy products from their diet, need to obtain these nutrients from other sources.

Myth: Eating too many carbs is unhealthy

Carbohydrates are an important part of your diet. They are the primary energy source for your whole body. However, the source of this essential nutrient in your diet does matter. It is better to get your carbs from unprocessed food like dairy, fruits, and vegetables than processed sources like bread & beverages as they can put you at increased risk of different chronic diseases.

Myth: Fruits have excessive sugar

This is absolutely wrong as the sugar found in natural fruits is mixed with Fibre. Fibre gives a high satiety level and reduces the impact of sugar on your body. However, if you make juices out of fruits, you are getting rid of the Fibre which makes juices a higher source of sugar than whole fruits.

 

 

Myth: Artificial sweeteners are a good replacement for sugar

These sweeteners do have fewer calories than sugar but it doesn’t mean that they are a good addition to a balanced diet. These sweeteners might increase your craving for sugar and harm your digestive bacteria. It is recommended to eat a low amount of natural sugar instead of processed sweeteners.

Myth: Consuming fats will make you gain weight

Fats have a very important role to play in your body and are responsible for a number of metabolic functions. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that fats, when consumed in moderate quantities, are good for you. Fat provides your body with a satiety level and helps it to absorb your daily vitamins and minerals. An absence of fats in your diet will prompt you to eat more and you will not be able to benefit from other nutrients you eat. Plants are the best source of healthy fats such as olive oil, seeds, nuts, and many other fruits and vegetables. Certain fats act like anti-inflammatory agents and are the only source of certain Vitamins—Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.