Christine Balderas
1. Eating carbohydrates makes you fat.
Cutting carbs from your diet may have short-term weight loss benefits due to water loss from a decrease in carbohydrate stores, but eating carbs in moderation does not directly lead to weight gain. The body uses carbs for energy, and going too long without them can cause lethargy. Check out this Carbohydrate Counter to see if you're burning the carbs you eat.
2. Brown grain products are whole grain products.
Brown dyes and additives can give foods the deceiving appearance of whole grain. Read labels to be sure a food is whole grain, and try to get three-ounce equivalents of whole grains per day to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
3. Eating eggs will raise your cholesterol.
This myth began because egg yolks have the most concentrated amount of cholesterol of any food. However, there’s not enough cholesterol there to pose health risks if eggs are eaten in moderation. Studies suggest that eating one egg per day will not raise cholesterol levels and that eggs are actually a great source of nutrients.
4. All alcohol is bad for you.
Moderation is key. Six ounces of wine and 12 ounces of beer are considered moderate amounts, and should not pose any adverse health effects to the average healthy adult. All alcohol is an anticoagulant and red wine also contains antioxidants, so drinking a small amount daily can be beneficial.
5. Vitamin supplements are necessary for everyone.
If you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with moderate amounts of a variety of low-fat dairy and protein and the right quantity of calories, you don’t need to supplement. Most Americans do not, so a multi-vitamin might be good. Special vitamin supplements are also recommended for people who are pregnant or have nutritional disorders.
Continue Reading 10 Nutrition Myths Dispelled
By Melanie Valerio, Fat To Fitness Blogger - Marie Claire
RELATED
America's Hungriest Woman
10 Must-Have Travel Gadgets
Healthy Foods That Make You Fat
5 Motivational Songs for Monday Mornings
Looking for More Love, Fitness & Career Advice? Subscribe to Marie Claire & Save!
