Daily we receive contradicting nutrition advice from the media, our doctors, friends and colleagues. That's because studies are being done consistently, reported, then taken as the word of God. Before you listen to any nutritional advice, be sure the source is valid and the study has been done over a number of years. Here are some of the top nutrition myths that I'm sure you may be listening to:
Myth 1 : Sea salt is better for you than table salt. Not true since both salts have the same nutritionals values, even though sea salt is marketed as a more natural and healthy choice. One tsp of either has 2,300mg of sodium. It's recommended that we consume only 1,500mg or less daily. I find the sea salt is better in flavour and texture, meaning you may use less, which is a health advantage. If you have thyroid issues, table salt contains iodine which may benefit your health. The key here is that excess salt, no matter what type, can be damaging to our health and may be a precursor to high blood pressure and heart disease. No matter what type of salt you use, keep it to a minimum at home and remember that restaurant or fast food has excess salt.
Myth 2: Diet soda is harmless
How can a drink with zero calories be harmful to our health? The issue lies in the sweetener such as sucralose or aspartame which can whet our appetite for more sweet foods. Studies show that those drinking three diet beverages a day had a 40 per cent increase in risk of being obese. As well it has been linked to kidney damage, heart attack and stroke risk. Research is ongoing. It's best to drink good old H2O or sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime, or combined with natural fruit juice.
Myth 3: Low-fat foods are better for you
Back in the '90s, low-fat foods took over our supermarkets. Low fat equalled weight loss. But no one looked at the fact that weight didn't rely on fat alone. Excess calories and sugar could still be present in excess when fat was reduced to make up for the taste. In desserts that are low fat, there is usually an increase in sugar, which equals more calories.
