Common Nutrition Myths to Avoid

Proper nutrition has been a hot topic in the media lately. Whether it's people trying to 
lose weight or live longer, it has been discussed at length in everything from daytime 
television to countless articles. Unfortunately, with everyone and their mom talking 
about it, it has allowed rumors and myths to spread like wildfire in a global game of 
telephone. This article will help you debunk some of the more common ones.  
 

Potatoes Are Just Empty Calories
 
This one has been floating around since the low-carb high-protein craze first began. 
Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, but that's hardly all they do.  
Potatoes are high in potassium -even more than bananas- and vitamin C. Not to 
mention they're cheaper than the dirt they grow in and keep for quite a while. It keeps 
them firmly in the category of 'foods to always have in your pantry'.  
 

Egg Yolks Cause Heart Disease
 
This myth stemmed from the fact that whole eggs are pretty high in cholesterol. In 
reality, eating foods that are high in cholesterol doesn't necessarily make your blood 
cholesterol levels higher. Your liver makes a lot of it all on its own and when you eat 
more cholesterol it simply makes less. 
 
In fact, there a quite a few studies showing that it raises your HDL (your 'good 
cholesterol'), not to mention that whole eggs are one of the most nutritious foods out 
there!  
 

Coffee Is Bad for You
 
A lot of folks have pushed the logic that coffee is unhealthy because of the caffeine 
content. While it is true that too much caffeine can be bad for you, moderate amounts 
can help you out.  
Coffee is also a huge source of antioxidants (even more than fruits and vegetables) and 
lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. It's great for your mental health too, lowering the risk 
of depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.  
 

Many Small Meals Are Better Than A Few Average Meals
 
This myth has been touted for a long time, especially among bodybuilders and fitness 
gurus, claiming that it kicks up your metabolism. This is blatantly untrue.  
While it can help people dealing with excessive hunger, there has been a lot 
of studies done that show that 2-3 meals has the exact same effect as eating 5-6 meals 
when it comes to your metabolism.  
There has also been a more recent study that suggests that more frequent meals can 
increase liver and stomach fat.  
 
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier. In fact, it’s fantastic! But 
make sure you’re checking the facts of the newest diet or hot tip, because a lot of them 
can be twisted and distorted. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your 
health!
