Some accepted methods of preparing and consuming food may not be as correct as believed. Nutritionists and universities have found evidence countering popular, widespread beliefs.
Myth #1: Wooden cutting boards foster bacteria growth.
The popular idea that meat should not be prepared on wooden boards because of bacteria growth was refuted in a study by Dr. Dean Cliver at the University of California at Davis. The common theory is that repeated use causes bacteria-storing cavities on the surface of wooden boards which deposit the growing bacteria into the food being prepared.
Cliver conducted a study comparing the surface-evident bacteria of both plastic and wooden boards. Although bacteria were present on both, it was much harder to clean an old plastic board. Germs on wooden boards sink beneath the surface and can be found surviving within the board. However, the germs do not multiply and eventually die.
Myth #2: Eggs cause cardiovascular disease.
Eggs don’t cause cardiovascular disease. The National Center for Biotechnology Information concludes that consumption of no more than one egg a day does not increase the risk for coronary heart disease or stroke for both men and women. However, patients with diabetes are highly recommended to have no more than three egg yolks a week.
“I don’t support this myth because it’s the amount of food, not the type, that will have an effect on my health,” said junior Jamie Toler.
Myth #3: Eating carbohydrates late in the day results in weight gain.
Nutrition consultant and author Elisa Zied affirms, “There’s no evidence that eating after a certain time promotes weight gain.” However, Zied says that consuming a high-calorie meal in the late evening may indicate that the individual is practicing poor eating habits throughout the day. To solve this, she suggests, “…have evenly spaced meals and snacks every few hours to stabilize blood sugar, which keeps hunger at bay…”
“I thought my metabolism slows down at night, but I’m not exactly sure, so that’s why I’m a bit skeptical about this myth,” said senior Sara Tashima.
Myth #4: Drinking water improves weight loss.
Although water is essential, it is not the “fast-pass” to weight loss. Most people assume water will help flush toxins, and eventually fat, from one’s body. However, Bonnie Taub-Dix, owner of Better Than Dieting Nutrition Consultants, argues the toxin and fat connection “has no scientific basis.”
An analysis published in Nutrition Review reasoned that drinking water instead of sugary drinks reduced calorie intake, which, in turn, helped weight loss. Ultimately, it was the reduced calorie intake, not the water that shed pounds.
Myth #5: Saturated fats are bad for you.
Not all saturated fats are damaging to weight loss. In fact, fatty acids from grass-fed butter and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil provide numerous health benefits. These short-chained acids can help repair the digestive system and improve one’s immune system. Studies reported by the National Institute of Health also demonstrated that when olive oil consumption was replaced with MCT oil, subjects could more easily lose weight.
Myth #6: All brown grain products must be whole grain products.
Additives and food dyes can fool a consumer into believing that a brown grain product is a whole grain product. It is the responsibility of the individual to confirm the product’s makeup by evaluating its nutritional information. Three-ounce equivalents of whole grain products need to be consumed each day to help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Individuals striving for a healthier diet need to research information that is suitable to their concerns. Popular beliefs are not always credible. It is crucial for people to seriously investigate dietary trends to ensure they are valid and healthy.
