There are many common nutrition myths-unfounded claims that are not scientifically agreed upon.Among the common ones are:
Detoxing is necessary to remove toxins from your body
Detoxing of the body is such a common myth that it has to be addressed. Claims surrounding this myth are that you must fast, or consume cleansing juices to remove toxins from your body. But truth is, your body does that naturally through physiological processes such as excretion, sweating etc. You mustn’t enroll yourself into such regimens that request the restriction of certain nutrients while over-emphasizing that of others. This will only predispose you to nutrient deficiencies and complications you may have avoided.
There are good and bad nutrients
You may have heard regularly that some foods are good for you while others are bad and you should avoid them at all costs. However, this is just another myth. There are no good and bad foods, if you disregard the significance of moderation, then even foods you consider healthy will turn out to be bad for you. And as for sugars and fat that tend to be referred to as bad, also are not necessarily bad unless over-consumed. Moreover, sugars are contained in healthy foods such as fruits. Therefore, really neither is bad or good.
Fats and carbohydrates cause you weight gain
Any food with calories, will cause you to gain weight .If any macro-nutrient including proteins is consumed in higher amounts without being utilized as energy; the result will be weight gain over-time. Even starchy vegetables will cause you weight gain if you tend to exceed their intake.
If you’re young, you don’t need to watch your nutrition and lifestyle habits as much
Eating healthily is important no matter which age group, and you’re never too young to prioritize your nutrition and lifestyle habits. It is important to start eating well and engaging in physical activity to reduce the risk for certain conditions, which may come immediately or later in life if healthy practices are neglected. Good nutrition and proper healthy lifestyle practices are necessary at whichever age.
Supplements can compensate for a meal or nutrient not consumed
It’s usually assumed that if you skipped a meal. You can compensate with the intake of a supplement, then you will have obtained the required nutrient and you won’t have to suffer a nutrient deficiency. Though this should not be the case, you are very much likely to exceed your nutrient intake in this manner, increasing your susceptibility to nutrient toxicities. Even if you think you may be nutrient deficient, it is always better to seek professional guidance to assert that for sure. Supplements should not in any way be substitutes for meals. Prioritize the intake of meals to obtain your nutrients.
Skipping meals helps with weigh loss
This is not always the case if you will tend to over-compensate later .Not consuming regular meals increases your likelihood of over-eating in the day. It is better you consume regular meals to manage your appetite and energy levels. Moreover, it is an unsustainable practice such that if you lose weight b using it, you’ll unlikely maintain that weight loss.
A gluten-free diet is for everyone
This is not true, not everyone should avoid gluten foods such as wheat. There are actually individuals who are affected by the intake of gluten foods- they tend to present with common symptoms once they consume foods ith gluten. (Please refer to the topic on Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease:Management and foods to Avoid).However, this does not imply that each one should have a gluten –free diet
All calories are the same
Not all calories you ingest are equal. Calories from nutritious foods e.g. vegetables, nuts, legumes etc offer you with nutrients while empty calories from junk foods, do not.